Sharing Life Stories with Shockers - Week 6

More Connected Than We Realize

We are getting really close to the end of our sessions, with just a couple weeks left. Almost every session to-date has been largely group based. What has been rather enjoyable about the group setting is the organic conversations that evolve (beyond the questions in the life bio workbooks) because the story of one participant sparks a memory for another. Have you ever just sat around with family and reminisced about growing up? Or with old friends and reminisced about high school or college days? How pure and enjoyable that is. Now imagine getting to do that after 70, 80, or 90-some years to a room of college students who didn't have the privilege of seeing the world the way you did. That is the beauty of sharing time together in this space - our participants surrounded by peers who also lived what they lived, and students who are mesmerized by how different a time it was. We're just along for the ride, getting to experience firsthand these stories and memories that span a lifetime. 

While the world was incredibly different when our participants were children and young adults, I rather enjoyed the realizations a few students highlighted this week, realizations that we really aren't that different. For example, a student who completely connected with a childhood story of one participant, noting she experienced something similar with a childhood friend when she was that age, too. Or another student who has seen the exact advice given by his participant, "Follow your dreams", unfold before his eyes through his parents' lives. Then another who was inspired by the resilience of a participant who dealt with a car breaking down when younger - how he related to and was inspired by her persevering and figuring it out, as he dealt with something incredibly similar.

Then there is the beautiful sharing of faith happening, especially in the assisted living group who reside at Catholic Care. Their faith is the cornerstone of their lives and they proudly share it with those of us in the room. As one student so eloquently pointed out, their faith is so present in the room, yet in a way that is not forced upon anyone. Rather, it's shared, it's personal, it's part of their story. What a meaningful way to share one's faith, right? It is a joy to simply be there and be encouraged by their words. We are connected in more ways than we realize and it is a pleasure to see these small connections, relatable stories, and advice unfold across generations. 

Moving forward as we close in on our last couple of weeks, we'll be wrapping up missed questions, filling in the blanks, and hopefully finalizing life stories. There should be some intentional time for one-on-one interaction between student and participant and I personally, cannot wait to see what we have left to learn.

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

-Jacie Green

Sharing Life Stories with Shockers - Week 5

 An Appreciation for a New Perspective

I haven't had quite the same privilege of getting to know the participants as the students have up to this point. I do have two rooms to jump between, so I catch what I can and sure enjoy the moments and snippets I overhear. And that's okay, because this project isn't about me. It's about the participants having an opportunity to share their stories and for the students to take it all in; to really appreciate the participant for who they truly are and where they come from, and to learn from them. Now, I have had an opportunity more recently to become better acquainted with a couple of participants in particular. One through family members and one via direct e-mail of her stories and sharing of incredible family photos, both of which I am enjoying immensely. These meaningful connections I've more recently developed has me thinking about those students who have been there week in and week out. They have a beautiful opportunity to capture the room, the individual, and are witness to what I hope they take away from all of this - the numbers in the room don't matter. 

Each participant is an individual with a unique personality and history that only they can tell best, and each individual is still living, learning, and growing. That sure goes against the negative connotation of aging and decline, doesn't it? But that's what I'm enjoying most from the weekly student reflections. The appreciation and admiration really, they have gained for these participants. It's meaningful and I hope, impactful for years to come. For all of us. Enjoy a few moments that caught my eye this week.

Student Snapshots

What is "old" anyway? It's not necessarily what we thought or are influenced to think by society and the ageism perpetuated in the media.

"When I first learned that age didn't truly mean you were old I can say I didn't fully believe it. They definitely have shown me what old isn't through these sessions." 

Just because we age, doesn't mean we lose personality! I can tell you first hand, a classroom of freshmen is full of different personalities, so why would we think a room full of older adults is any different? We are all unique no matter our age.

"Another thing I would like to point out are the little personalities of each of our participants at CC ... all these little things are fun to notice about each person at CC and is what makes them unique."

Years lived and trials overcome are inspiring and a testament to not just surviving, but thriving.

"It was very heartwarming to hear how despite the difficulties that came their way, they kept going, for themselves, and their family and friends ... I suppose the advice of this week, was to keep pushing on for the things you love."

We can gain such an appreciation for those who came before us, who have an entirely different perspective than us.

"Learning her perspective is so fascinating that I know it may sound like I am exaggerating, but is true that every week she writes and writes about her life experiences and hearing the new stories from her past makes me almost envy her." 

Ever feel the pressure of meeting goals and expectations that we think should come with each life stage? It's okay if that doesn't happen.

"My Life Story partner did not 'accomplish' her goals so quickly. In fact, it took her a while before she felt that she had truly got what she wanted. This confirmed in me that there is no assigned age for personal accomplishments."

And you know what? Sometimes memories are hard. Sometimes life was hard and the recollection triggers difficult things. We are vulnerable and it's okay to be vulnerable and to even step away from something if it's emotionally too much.

"...it shows that people of all ages are still people and have problems we need to confront." 

Powerful, right?

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

-Jacie G.