Tim Collins Biography Interview

The Man of Many Talents On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, in Tucson, Arizona, I sat with an 81-year-old gentleman to conduct a biographical interview. To protect this individual’s identity, he will be referred to as Tim Collins. Tim lives with his wife of 25 years, Susan. He is a physician and professor of genetics. Due to Tim’s recognition throughout the academic community, the names of some places and people have been changed to protect his identity. To say that Tim has had a remarkable journey in life is a profound understatement. The trials and tribulations he has faced since childhood are far beyond anything most individuals could imagine in their lifetime. Yet the man who sat before me was a kind and pleasant individual without a hint of distain for humanity. I conducted this interview with the intentions of learning about each stage in his life and his reflections on aging. However, I left his home with much more than just incredible stories and insights on life. He provided me with wisdom that will last throughout my own lifetime.
Childhood & Early Adolescence Tim was born on January 15, 1934, in Brussels, Belgium. His mother, Rose, and his father, John, were both Jewish and recently immigrated to Belgium from Poland. Tim’s childhood was far from the norm. His youth was filled with a series of
Tim stated his mother told him they were leaving to go on a vacation to the beach. He recalled he quickly realized when he was hopping secretly from train to train, his mother was lying to him. He recalled feeling anxious, insecure, and confused. The presence of fear and panic surrounded him on a daily basis, and he was furious with his mother and Joe for their deceitfulness. He recognized much later in his life this was their attempt to protect him, however, he could not comprehend this at such a young