Sharing Life Stories with Shockers: Mid-Term!

The Best is Yet to Come.

We are officially at the half-way point of our time together at Catholic Care Center. It has been four weeks of gathering stories, learning what life was like generations ago, and gaining new perspectives for the older adults across the table. I am the first to admit though, this project hasn't been perfect. We have some scheduling to figure out, questions to piece together, and as happens with many classes mid-semester, select students have much work left to do. But. We'll get there. Truth be told, I am a perfectionist (to a fault), so the hidden beauty of this pilot project from my perspective is how much I'm learning, too. It is teaching me as much as it is my students. My lesson? It's okay to not have everything perfectly aligned right away. I'm learning from our participants the value of a moment, to enjoy the simple things. Now, that is easier said than done for a worrier like myself, yet through their stories and strength they so evidently possess, I would be remorse if I wasn't inspired by them. What I hear is the importance of being present in the moment and if you have to piece it all together as you go, it's okay. That is life, right? What a great lesson.

Given the lessons I have been learning to-date with this project, and honestly to this point in my own young-ish adulthood, it is fitting this week provided a look into the lives of our participants when they too, were young adults. Memories of their post-high school days, early married years, college, careers, and even war. Students were surprised (jealous perhaps) to hear the dollar figures of attending college in the mid-1900s. We were all saddened by the stories of war, loss of friends, and the uncertainty of that time for their families. We enjoyed incredibly relatable college comments, like the desire to pursue a particular major, but the barrier of organic chemistry too much to overcome (I can't be the only one that speaks to). And I was personally encouraged by the tenacity of a once stay-at-home-mom now taking classes at Wichita State herself - proof that the desire and ability to acquire knowledge is not bound by a number. From what I gathered last week, the following quotes specifically speak to the essence of young adulthood/college life that freshman are just embarking on:

Story Snapshots

"Perseverance wins."

"What you learn in the classroom is important, but set foot into the vocation, industry, career/occupation that you're anticipating going into. You'll find it's a lot different than what you learned in the books."

I trust statements like the above won't be lost on college freshman, or anyone for that matter. Rather, I hope such advice serves as inspiration that when it's not easy, to preserve. And be an active participant in knowledge, seeking out opportunities for application related to aspirations. I know I would have benefited from such advice. I still do. While we are half-way through this project, I'm most excited for what's to come because life stories will really start to take shape. Memories that have come alive during this process will be written down for generations to come. What might seem simple from a class perspective is life changing for our participants, their families, and hopefully a little for the students themselves. And that's why we are here.

See you next week for more Sharing Life Stories with Shockers!

-Jacie Green