BROOKDALE DES PLAINES HOSTS AN INTERGENERATIONAL HISTORY EVENT
HISTORY 101. I used to cringe when it was time for history class. Learning and memorizing all the dates, wars, generals names made my head spin. Times have definitely changed as described below, my first hand experience during an Intergenerational History Project at Brookdale Des Plaines, in Des Plaines, Illinois.
A short background first, for the past 6 years, I have worked for Connected Living, a company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. I have seen this company evolve from when I began in 2008. Connected Living is committed to the idea that a "connected life" transforms the experience of aging and inspires an aging population to connect, contribute, and live a healthier life. My role as an Ambassador for Connected Living started out as training residents at Brookdale Des Plaines how to use a computer through our Connected Living network. I have taught beginners, those who never used a computer before, to intermediate and advanced computer users. Through the network, residents are given a Username and Password to sign in to their account. They learn how to use the Connected Living email, surf the internet, Skype, open attachments (they love receiving photos) and so much more.
Advancing to the present, following is my perceptual experience on the Intergenerational History Project I was part of this past week. This project went far beyond our way of teaching residents how to use the computer. We also wanted to reach those who don't use a computer but want to stay connected in other ways and I am so elated to say we achieved that and more! Not only did we reach those residents, but we connected the residents to high school students through a joint effort. John Jorgenson, the Executive Director of Brookdale Des Plaines, approved this project because he knew, as with other projects we have done at this community, it would enhance the lives of the seniors living at his community. My supervisor, Melissa Cosentino, Operations Area Manager for Connected Living, created a joint Intergenerational project with Michelle Fonsino, a History teacher at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. The joint project which included over 40 students and over 25 residents would culminate in mid November at the Brookdale Des Plaines community.
The wheels began to turn, from creating a questionnaire for both residents and students to complete to hosting a Skype event on October 14 with some of the residents and students . That created such a buzz around the community that more residents wanted to be part of this project. From that moment, Connected Living had began to accomplish what they are all about, a "connected life." The Resident Program Director at Brookdale Des Plaines, Kami Naughton, began to promote this face to face Intergenerational History Project to her residents. The date was set, Thursday, November 13, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. The date arrived and residents were seated about 12:45 in the living room and given 1 or 2 names of students on a piece of paper. Melissa and I explained what had been planned, but what we didn't know at the time that these plans would exceed our expectations.
As the students arrived, John Jorgenson greeted them in the lobby and they were told by their teacher, Michelle Fonsino to look for their name that the residents were holding up and join the resident(s). Before I knew it, the room was abuzz with residents and students intense conversations. John Jorgenson wanted to do a formal greeting and didn't really want to interrupt what was unfolding before his and all of our eyes. He did do a quick welcome and called this event "Priceless" for both students and residents, then everyone went back to questions and answers. Students will be completing their history project with a wealth of knowledge received from these seniors and, in turn, these seniors felt a sense of accomplishment being able to contribute.
My role that day, with my supervisor, was to take photos during the event. Usually, when you are in someone's face with a camera they usually look up and smile. Not this time, as I went around the room snapping away, the residents and students were so engaged in conversation, that I was actually getting goosebumps and a few tears in my eyes at what I was experiencing. Some of the residents brought newspaper clippings and photos to show the students of their first hand experience during their era. Well, during the 6 years with Connected Living I have been involved in many projects and events, but nothing like this one.
While on my quest to capture as many photos as possible, I heard students asking, "you use a computer?" and "you have an iPhone?" Seniors using computers and knowing how to use an iPhone, unbelievable? Not in this community, especially with the Connected Living program!
The first hour was spent focused on small group interviews. After 2:00, the residents and students were asked to turn their chairs and break from their small group into a larger group of 10 or more. Each student was asked to introduce the resident(s) they had interviewed and tell the others in the group one thing about them. That continued for another 30 minutes, with a few breaks to quench their thirst on pink lemonade, punch and homemade cookies from the dining room (thank you Wade Pratz, Dining Room Supervisor)!
At 2:30, it was time for the students to get back to school. One last assignment for the day, take a Senior Selfie! The students took out their phones, some asking me to take a regular photo with their phone. Hugs were given throughout the room; what a glorious scene that was! I wanted to hug everyone, but stood there taking photos and getting those goosebumps and tears back again. Residents gave students their email addresses to keep in touch and I heard some students tell them they will come to visit and send them holiday cards.
One last request before departing was for the students to sign a huge Thank You card they created for the seniors as a reminder from the day. I don't think anyone will need a reminder of that day. The residents requested that the students come back again, so we are hopeful Part II will happen before the end of the school year.
Connected Living has evolved and included all residents at this Brookdale community, and others around the country, to be part of something bigger to impact and inspire a healthier lifestyle. I am glad to be part of the Connected Living family.
I may have cringed going into my HISTORY 101 classroom, but I would definitely be first in line to this type of class, HISTORY 1 on 1. Stay tuned for the Intergenerational History Project, Part II.