Memories

MemoriesWe all have objects that evoke particular memories from past experiences in our lives. Today, we each brought an object that held a memory and we exchanged them with our PALs. Without looking at the other person’s object, we were instructed to paint a memory or a feeling that we thought of, based on our PALs object. This activity opened a lot of opportunies for conversation and bonding with our PALs. My PAL, Edith, brought a necklace that she got at her retirement party.  When I felt the necklace, my first thought was of my friends and family. Whenever I’ve gotten necklaces, they have been as gifts from loved ones. I painted a picture of a summer sunset at Stinson Beach, where I spent one of my last days in California before leaving for Virginia. The object I brought for Edith was a toy horse. The memory that it evoked for her was a time where she use to walk her dog and drive in the 2nd car she had ever owned. Overall, we had a great time sharing and bonding over our memories with the rest of the class. Our background experiences are what shaped the person we are today and oftentimes we get so caught up with our day to day lives that we forget about the little memories in our past that brought us joy. Today’s event allowed us to take some time to reminisce about the small moments in our past and share it with our new friends.

 

Janice Chan, first year Dentistry student

Sensory and Memory Art

Sensory and Memory ArtSometimes the most random objects can bring back the most special memories. I brought in a toy car that my grandparents had given me as a symbolic gift one year. Feeling this car without seeing it, reminded Edith of the second car that she owned: a pink Plymouth. Telling the story of her car put such a light in Edith’s eyes. She gushed about how special the car was to her and how much she loved it. We recognized our age specific cultural differences by describing our favorite cars. I told Edith how pink cars are a very rare sight now and how most people my age buy black and white cars. Edith shared that hot pink and light blue cars were very popular when she got her car.

Edith brought a Faberge egg necklace that was given to her at her retirement party. She said that she had retired two times prior, but kept returning to work. The necklace was dainty and simple. It reminded me of the future that lies ahead of me in the workforce. Although I did not view the necklace until after our paintings were complete, I used the chain and raised details of the necklace to inspire my artwork.  

 

Grace Prestiy, graduate student in Social Work

Unnecessary Worrying

Zaneera and GeorgieToday I met my PAL, Georgie, and her husband Gil. I was excited, but so nervous about meeting my PAL. What if we didn’t have anything to talk about? What if we didn’t click? What were they going to be like? All of these questions were running through my head as I first stepped into the community room at the JCC. After a quick look around, I found my name tag, on the table, next to my PAL. The moment I saw her welcoming smile, I knew I had been worrying for no reason. Georgie is absolutely amazing; we were able to talk about several things that we are both interested in. Who would have thought that my PAL would love young adult novels as much as I do, or that she grew up just blocks from where I live now?  I loved listening to her tell me about her family or what her and her husband do in their spare time, especially because I’m more of a listener and not much of a talker. And now I have several titles and authors to look up before I meet Georgie again in February!

In our conversation today, one thing that that stood out to me was when we were discussing the programs that different community centers such as the YMCA have; Georgie said “I don’t understand why they have all these programs for kids, but so little for adults”. It was such a simple statement about how she identified herself. She said “adult”, where as I probably would have said “older adult” or “senior” programs. And that’s exactly what she is: an adult, just as the rest of us are. From those six seconds I realized how much aging stereotypes and ageism affect us without even realizing it. I know it will take time for me to break down these barriers that society has placed in my mind against age, but in the meantime I will learn about the beauty of growing and all that life has to offer from such a genuine person as my PAL, Georgie.

Thinking back, it was unnecessary for me to have been worried about meeting my PAL.

 

Zaneera Hassan, third year graduate student in the VCU School of Pharmacy

Mirror Images

ISilk marbling have worked with older adults in a number of different capacities during the past twenty years, however today was one of the few times that I have had the opportunity to interact with them, when I was not responsible for 100% of their care, giving medications, taking them to medical appointments, ensuring that they are safe and well cared for…I think you get the picture. Today afforded me the chance to personally interact and spend time with older adults, on a more equal level, when you are not personally resposible for all aspects of an older adults life, it is much easier and more relaxing to enjoy the time you have with them, especially when their is a leisure activity thrown into the mix.

Very seldom in life is there little or no stress involved in any activity we participate in, however today was a totally stress free and enjoyable time, spent with new friends from a diverse array of backgrounds. The aging process is not homogeneous, and the PALETTE program provides a perfect opportunity for participants to experience that diversity across all levels of the lifespan from young college students to older adults.

 

Jill Lindsay, graduate student in the VCU Department of Gerontology

Small World

Small WorldToday was the first visual arts class of the PALETTE Program’s second year and I think I can speak for many students and PALs alike when I say how incredibly excited I was to begin this semester-long adventure. Not only did we get to try our hands at paper marbling but we also got to spend time getting to know our PALs.

I love learning about people and hearing stories about their lives and being situated at tables with our PALs was a great opportunity to meet other students and older adults as well. As myself and other PALETTE-enthusiasts at my table were chatting away we soon came to realize that each of us had something completely unexpected in common with the other members at the table. We were truly amazed at this coincidence and it was a humble reminder of how special the program is and how lucky we are to get to be a part of it.  It was a beautiful and exciting realization that despite different ages, races, professions, and interests we are all connected.

 

Allison Baumgartner, second year graduate student at the VCU School of Pharmacy