Bridging Generations: Mrs. Sumner's Class Visits Local Senior Citizen Community

Our class visited a senior citizen community three times. The students interviewed their senior citizen partners twice, first to just get to know them, and second to learn more about one specific time in their lives. Then, the students wrote the stories. On the third visit, the students read the stories they wrote about their senior citizen partners to their senior citizen partners.

By Alex Runyan (Student at Veritas)

When I heard that I had to interview a senior citizen, I felt a bit nervous. Mrs. Sumner (the writing teacher) told us about the project. I thought, "What if I offend my senior citizen partner or make her sad? What if she doesn't like the story I write about her?"

I prepared my questions and walked into the senior citizen community. I looked around. The senior citizens were so excited that we came, but I was still nervous.

I met Ms. Ramlackhan. Meeting her was amazing and a great experience. I learned that I have to be patient when I speak and that I need to speak louder.

Ms Ramlackhan had amazing stories and life experiences. Since she was from India, I was able to get a different worldview from her perspective. It was an amazing experience.

By Lilly Enget (Student at Veritas)

Emotions, all different types, spread around the room. Mrs. Sumner had just announced that we would interview senior citizens. Some classmates were terrified and nervous, but I, Lilly, was bursting with excitement.

Once most of us calmed down, she announced that our first field trip would be in two days. Yet again, everyone exploded, saying, "In two days??!!" From then until the first field trip, we worked on questions and practiced interviewing our friends.

Today was the day! I got to meet my senior citizen, Ms. Grant. Surprisingly, Ms. Grant was very quiet and shy. Usually when I meet older people they love me. "This is peculiar," I thought. I also had to repeat the question again. I got, "I don't remember," and a little laugh.

Eventually, I got a solid story: her immigration from Germany to America.

The next interview was better... I guess. I asked more centered questions like, "Were there storms while you were on the ship?" She remembered a lot of stuff about the ship and the voyage, which was great! Even though she did repeat things over and over again.

Once we got back, it was time to write. First page done, then second, third, and fourth! I felt so good about it!

The last interview. We took a group picture and ate donuts. Then it was time to read the story to Ms. Grant. "What if she hates it?!" Nervous thoughts ran through my head.

I started with words slowly and loudly coming out of my mouth. Eventually I became more confident. "The end." The words finally came out of my mouth. It was time to see her review... She loved it! Relief washed over me! I was so thankful!

*Veritas Collegiate Academy DC Campus is a fully accredited K-12 classical Christian school committed to graduating wise, virtuous leaders. Learn more at [veritascollegiateacademydc.com]