Life Story project at GreenFields of Geneva connects teens with older adults
"If there's one thing I hope you remember from listening to me, it's that it's easier to be happy and always smile, then it is to just sit there and be sad." These were the words Joseph Schmieder, a resident of GreenFields of Geneva, shared with two students from the Fox Valley Career Center. The teens, Thomas Huff and Justin Shroka, were paired with Joseph as part of the center's Life Story project.
The intergenerational initiative places teens pursuing health care careers, with older adults. Over the period of six weeks, the seniors share their life stories with the students, who put together a presentation.
Fox Valley Career Center provides vocational children to area high school students.
"The goal of the community-based Life Story Project is to promote student learning through collaboration with the elderly members of a retirement community. Through active engagement in community involvement, students gain invaluable lessons in citizenship, stewardship, personal responsibility and growth, self-esteem, and fostering connections between generations," said Venus Perez, director of nursing at GreenFields of Geneva.
"FVCC wants to build relationships between older adults and young people. So many people are afraid of the elderly unless they've had a chance to develop relationships," Perez said. "They don't recognize their history and wealth of knowledge and wisdom. But when they peel back the layers, there's so much for them to learn. It opens their minds. They're meeting people who have actually lived the history; they're not just reading about history in a book."
Venus has coordinated GreenFields' participation in the program for the second consecutive year.
Over the course of six weeks, Thomas and Justin came to GreenFields where they met with Joseph three times weekly, visiting him and learning about his life. "We interviewed Joseph and got to know him on a personal level. It was fantastic. I love Joe," said Justin. "Hearing from him sparked my interest in seniors."
The residents who volunteer also enjoy the program. "The seniors get excited being able to talk about their story and relive some of their memories with someone new," Venus said.
Joseph said that he talked with the students about his experience flying B29s during the Korean War. He also talked about his lifelong passion as a die-hard Cubs fan.
"I love how it's so personal, talking to people of different generations, comparing and contrasting and talking about our lives. Joseph was interested in our lives too," Justin said. "We looked at all his photo albums and saw all that he's accomplished. It makes me want to push a little harder to keep up with him."
A total of 12 residents participated in the program. At the end of the six weeks, the students presented their final project to families and friends. Thomas and Justin had produced a video slideshow of highlights of Joseph's life.
"We love this project and students really end up enjoying it. Some of them build such strong bonds with the resident that they stay in touch. It's really meaningful for everyone," Venus said.
GreenFields of Geneva
GreenFields is an exceptional Life Care community offering a wonderful retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsofGeneva.org.