At the Potiker Family Senior Residence, we learned about the meaningful work being done by the Serving Seniors nonprofit organization – including providing meal services, social activities, housing, social services, and more for low-income seniors in the local SD community. We also had the opportunity to tour the single room occupancy residences in the Potiker building. We all squished into elevators, in two groups, heading up to the 3rd floor. We met one of the residents of the building, named “CP” (“my husband used to call me ‘cutie pie!’” she exclaimed). I was immediately struck by her bright energy and spirit as she introduced herself and ushered us into her room without pause. She seemed overwhelmed with excitement, telling us that she loved UCSD students and explaining that when she passed, her body would be donated to the university for research. My peers and I constantly shared looks of contentment as CP talked about her time here. Her residence was small, but functional, and was brightened by her little knick-knacks and flare that made her space undoubtedly hers. As I walked out of her room, I noticed a handwritten note posted to her wall that said “I will love you till the end…”
Later, we arrived at Talmadge Gateway Apartments, permanent supportive housing for seniors. Bruce, a resident at Talmadge and fierce advocate for unhoused seniors, gave us a tour of the space. We admired the beautiful artwork hung in their art room, displaying the senior’s creativity in splashes of color. Deciding to take the stairs, we got to Bruce’s room on the fourth floor, huffing and puffing. Light flooded into his space through the surrounding windows as we looked at everything in his apartment. His Vietnam war cap. His Wise Elder Changemaker award. All the little pieces of his life on display. We then headed downstairs to an outdoor area, where we all huddled in a circle, intently listening to Bruce. As he reflected on his life course and where he is now, expressing gratitude for his residence and our interest in this work, he broke down in tears. He told us “if you are at all interested in this field, you should pursue this.” He believed that our generation could make a meaningful impact in this world, whether that be through advocating for senior affordable housing or pursuing something else. It was touching to not only see his authenticity and vulnerability shine through in his words, but also the impact that he’s had on this community and the constant hope he carries.
Ann D. was the next character I had the fortune to meet. A resident at the North Park Senior Apartments (an LGBTQ-affirming affordable senior community) and proud lesbian from the eastern US, Ann D. was a joy to talk to and learn from. Adorned in a bright pink button-down and black fedora with a rainbow band (and rocking her blue hair!), Ann D. recounted a few of her proudest memories. She talked of working on a campaign to elect a lesbian politician in the ‘80s – which was successful (!!) – and later working in the tech realm in Silicon Valley. She had a Go-Pro with her, and told us about her plans to use it for her next project: a “make it fun, make it better” campaign to spread kindness and leave the world a bit better than you found it. She had ideas of filming simple acts such as picking up litter, or doing something for others. Her unrelenting passion to continue creating change inspired me. As I grow old, I hope I can learn from these elders. I hope to cultivate CP’s charisma and Bruce’s gratitude and Ann D.’s passion. I hope to carry on their efforts and spirit for the rest of my life <3