Community Projects March

I expected to walk into this community project and hear another great life story from an elder like last time. But, this time I was taught how to mold my own story and gained some direction and clarity about my next steps after graduation this spring. I never expected to learn so much about myself during this volunteer project, but I did.

Sarah and Nora with journaling workshop leader Beryl.

This was a very different experience from the last volunteer session with seniors. I found that we were opening up to each other in a completely different way, and sharing our life experiences around a hobby. I was placed in a group that focused on journaling.

The journaling session was led by Beryl. She had us think and discuss what the word legacy meant to us. To her it meant “living my life every day so that people know who I am”. I have really never thought about life this way and she asked us to think, if I were gone tomorrow will the people in my life remember what I was truly like?

Students in the music section preforming what they learned.

It sparked a lot of interesting conversations about the differences between youth and seniors, life lessons, and life journeys. Beryl stated one thing she has noticed is how youth tend to live more externally worrying about looks, actions, and possessions. In contrast seniors live more internally thinking about their life, regrets, changes that could be made, and the memories that they leave behind.

To open our minds we did some journaling exercises where we were timed and had to write everything that came to mind when we saw different photos.  The next exercise we were asked to select a card and answer the question written on it. I was surprised that they question I chose was closely related to my life. For the last exercise we paired up and had to tell our partner what our legacy would be. I found this really difficult and I realized I was not used to talking to someone for two minutes straight with no interruptions. We then wrote our answers down and placed them in a sealed envelope to read at a later date. I’m not sure if I’ll ever read that letter, but I’m glad I wrote it.

Students in the scrapbooking workshop.

There were two other groups that explored different hobbies with exercises lead by other seniors. One group discussed music while another group explored scrapbooking. I was really glad I had the chance to see what everyone did in their groups, and it looked like everyone enjoyed this hobby fair as much as I did.

This opportunity was made possible by the SAO and HelpAgeCanada. They are a not-for-profit organization committed to bettering the lives of seniors across Canada. One of its’ goals is to create more opportunities for youth and seniors to spend time together, and that is where this month’s Community Project comes in. Also, I'd like to send a special thank you to The Utilitarian House for having us and sharing their hobbies!

There are different Community Projects every month with the SAO to get students involved in Volunteer opportunities around Ottawa. Don’t miss your chance to give back and add unique experiences to your resume and your life.

- SAO Blogger Sarah Raphael