Live Life Connected
As we approached the last day with our participants, I couldn't think of a better way to end our sessions than bringing class and participants together on campus. Not only does it support intergenerational engagement, but it introduces freshmen to the gem on campus that is the Ulrich Museum. And how fitting that the exhibit on display was from a local artist entitled, "Chapter & Verse” by Ann Resnick. Ann's artwork in this particular exhibit was inspired by her own biography and family history; exactly what we've been focusing on all semester through collecting life stories. While it was a little bittersweet, coming together for the last time, it is my hope we long-remember the impact that has been left on all of us.
This last session was really meant to be for fun. An opportunity for social
engagement in a different atmosphere, while also learning together. I loved the art, but what I enjoyed most was our time spent sitting around the gallery in a circle for one last time. This session, our participants asked a couple questions for the students to reflect and respond. A handful of students gave their thoughtful, reflective responses to the question regarding how the pandemic altered their final high school years - a time that is so special, sacred even, for teenagers on the brink of such a milestone. It was beautiful to hear students share their stories of resilience, as they dealt with the shift in their social life and family dynamics, the inability to visit their own grandparents, and how all of this impacted their young lives. Because on the complete opposite end, we had learned about how the pandemic altered the freedom and abilities of our participants. It was a beautiful example of how much we really do have in common if we simply take the time to listen to each other.
I wanted to share some final quotes from the last round of reflections that really struck me.
Student Snapshots
It doesn't have to be extreme to be impactful.
“I’m glad I got to be a part of their lives in some small way…”
There was a lot of experience and learned life lessons around the table, that was invaluable for all of us to hear.
“I learned that I need to have a grateful heart to live out a happier life.”
“My partner taught me that things like your faith, hobbies, etc. keep your spirits up.”
Positive exposure and engagement across generations help us fight stereotypes and be more connected.“Every week at Catholic Care Center helps me realize stereotypes about aging.”
"Makes me excited for life itself."
Perspective is everything. What a beautiful attitude and reminder for how we should all view ourselves.
“Still as beautiful as ever.” That is the caption one participant wanted for her recent photo that is placed alongside a younger picture of herself. I don't know about you, but I want that perspective for myself.
And particularly important for all of us close to the community of Andover that was so drastically impacted in a matter of minutes:
“Something I learned from my older adult is to be grateful for what we have in life because it can end so suddenly.” Powerful, right?
For some of these students, engaging with our participants was like hearing from their own grandparents. Having lost my Papa not long ago, I completely related to this feeling. It was honestly a little emotionally challenging for me in the beginning, because surrounding myself with these older adults, in a way, brought memories of Papa to the forefront of my mind again. For others not as close to their own grandparents, it gave them the opportunity to better understand what a relationship with a grandparent could be like. I heard from students who were inspired to talk and visit their own grandparents more after engaging in these sessions. I heard from students who felt their own faith grew as a result of hearing about the faith so deeply ingrained in the lives of our participants. Some students even embraced a greater sense of purpose and inspiration, a real appreciation for all they have to look forward to in their own lives as they age.
In the end, this was not a huge project (although at times, it felt overwhelming). This was simply one hour per week, investing in the life of someone at a different life stage. Learning, laughing, and even experiencing real emotion when hard life events were shared. Our participants may be the ones that are coming away with a tangible product, a life story book that they get to share with family, but students are coming away with an experience equal in value, that I hope remains with them for the rest of their college careers and beyond. If we take the time to live life connected, young and old alike, we can create a community of appreciation, respect, and love for one another, no matter our age.
Thank you for following Sharing Life Stories with Shockers! It's been an absolute joy of a project and I am grateful for the collaboration and amazing humans that made it all happen.
-Jacie G.
