Character Interview: Hailey from The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Today I welcome author Eileen Cook, Author of The Education of Hailey Kendrick.  Today her character Hailey will be interviewed here at My Reading Room.

1.  What do you think of the boarding school you attend?  Did you want to go there when you were first sent there?

I TOTALLY did not want to go to boarding school. My mom had died recently and my dad thought it would be easier for me to adjust if I went away to school.  Why do parents always come up with big plans on how to make your life better, and never think to ask you what you want?

On the upside, if you have to go to boarding school Evesham is where you would want to go. Most the kids who go here come from wealthy or famous families so it’s pretty posh. The cafeteria has great food, the dorms look a bit like castles (my room even has a fireplace in it), and there are maids who clean for you.

2.  You are/were Vice-President at the school, what did that post entail for you?

I joined student government because I think it’s important to be involved in making the world a better place. If we don’t stand up for what is important, we can’t count on anyone else doing it. However, the Evesham student government isn’t exactly dealing with issues like creating peace in the middle east or tackling the homeless problem.  Most of our student government time is taken up with “critical” issues like what will the theme be for our big spring dance, or how do we make sure there are enough organic vegetarian options at lunch. At least I can put the fact I was vice-president on my college applications.  I’m hoping to get into Yale.

3.  What's it like dating the son of two parents who have both won Academy Awards.

Going out with someone who has famous parents has both good and bad bits.  On the good side his mom lent me a vintage gown that Betty Davis wore to the Oscars, I got to meet Johnny Depp at a pool party they were having at their house, and when you go out to eat the staff always falls all over themselves to be nice to you.  On the downside the paparazzi tries to get pictures of you, and I’m usually the one who takes those really bad pictures where my mouth is open or the back of my skirt is tucked into my tights.

4.  Why were you always a rule follower until that one fateful night?

People always say “rule follower” like it’s a bad thing. It’s just that after my mom died I realized that bad things could happen. I got a bit obsessed with safety. For example, did you know that more people are killed by falling vending machines than sharks? Imagine it- you’re shaking the machine because your Diet Coke didn’t come out and the next thing you know-WHAM- game over.  Doesn’t seem like such a bad idea to follow the rules when you’re snuffed out by a cola machine. Then you can look at what happened to me the one time I didn’t follow the rules.

5.  If you could go back and change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Even though I still think it’s a good idea to follow the rules, I’ve learned that keeping yourself safe doesn’t mean keeping yourself safe from feeling things. Sometimes you have to let go and trust things will work out.  I’m still staying away from vending machines, but I’m learning to lean on people.