This past Wednesday, on January 19th, the class of Life Course Scholars were finally back in the classroom after many amazing trips to JFS, the West Center, and other sites! However, we still had a packed schedule of book presentations, current events, debriefed, and oral history presentations. The book we discussed on was, “The Chair Rocks” by Ashton Applewhite, it highlights many key aspects as to the predicament of the anti-aging nature and it’s negative social effects. It was an informative, captivating read, and I appreciate how she sectionalized her topics to isolate and focus on ideas of the aging ideations. Additionally, even though there are strong opinions provided by Applewhite that may not be agreeable to all readers she allows for certain ideas to be acknowledged, so that others have the ability to be aware and decide to challenge or accept her opinions on aging. Next, in current events there were many new presentations that I wasn’t aware about and am shocked to hear about. Especially, the article on lack of care and providers available to the community in Nigeria. This is extremely heartbreaking to hear on both ends- the healthcare team and the people in need there- because on one end the available providers are completely overworked and stretched thin; while, the sick need attention and have no means of receiving it. Lastly, during class we had oral history presentations. Along with some of my classmates and I, we were able to present on our extraordinary person. I had chosen my grandmother for this assignment, and had learned so much about her history and her character overall. It was an incredibly vulnerable experience to me sharing something so intimate such as her losses and dramatic life changes. However, it was also quite empowering to share her story and give her a voice she never thought she had. It was also interesting to hear my fellow classmate EP’s stories. All of which have been through so much and have such amazing stories to share. I think the oral history project not only allows us to share all sorts of memories, but also to create bonds with persons we might take for granted. Or even, to simply learn more about why someone has these certain quirks despite knowing them all your life.
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Katie HuynhArchives
June 2020
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