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news
You can teach
a young student new tricks
By Sarah Langford
On-line Forty-Niner
Working with the
elderly: boring, or cool?
For the students
at Cal State Long Beach who participate in Residents' Awareness
Program, spending time with senior citizens is not only a
way to earn units, but a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow,
and serve.
"I never realized
how much we can learn from the elderly people in our community,"
said Tasha Hawkins, a senior who participated in the program
last semester. "By the end of the semester I knew I wanted
to work with senior citizens after college."
RAP is a hands-on
learning experience that involves co-facilitating discussions
groups for the residents of Leisure World, an independent-living
retirement community in Seal Beach. Students of all majors
are encouraged to participate by enrolling in Social Work
406A.
"This program
is an amazing opportunity for students to get intergenerational
work experience," said instructor Sheila Lauda, who works
as a part-time lecturer for the social work program at CSULB.
"There is
still room in the class this semester to join. It also may
be used to help fulfill the 80-90 hour practicum required
of all sociology majors."
Every Friday, students
in the class lead the residents of Leisure World in an hour-long
group discussion on different topics that are important to
both generations. Issues such as driving and transportation,
computers and the Internet and what it's like to be a resident
of Leisure World are among the many topics addressed.
"We talk about
what it was like growing up, and how different things are
today ," said Jo Burke, 81, a Leisure World resident
for more than 16 years. "I like the discussions because
they give people a chance to grow emotionally and mentally.
It's also a great way to meet your neighbors and make friends
with the people you live with."
Hawkins said the
most important thing she learned from her experience with
RAP is the sky's the limit.
"The elderly
amaze me," she said. "They prove that no matter
how old you are, you can achieve anything you want to."
SW 406A meets Fridays
from 9 to 10:45 a.m. in room LA3-206. To participate in RAP,
enroll in SW 406A before Monday, Sept. 17. For more information,
contact Lauda at (562) 985-0121.
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