The hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego, where Gary & Mary’s West Center was located, was a stark contrast from the quiet, slow-paced vibe of Casa de Manana and Bayside Centers. We walked in to the familiar room right next to the front entrance, where we set up tables in preparation for our conversations with the seniors. This time, it was different because we had to reach out and convince the seniors to come in and talk to us. After a while, all the seats were filled, snacks were passed out, and we started introducing ourselves to the seniors who kindly joined us. Cindy, the first senior I conversed with, was ushered in by her two friends who were so eager to get to know us. She is a woman with many interests-- she loves to skate, swim, write children’s books, play basketball, and most of all, eat food. We connected so well because we both love to eat (alot)! She used to live near UCSD, so she asked me what restaurants were still there, and if there are any great new places to eat. She loves Urban Plates, California Pizza Kitchen, and Sprinkles cupcakes. While I was also listing my favorite spots to eat, she told me it was like walking down memory lane because she also used to eat at all the places I love to eat when she was younger. She tells me that she’s one of the “newer” seniors because she has just entered her elder years and appreciates the wonderful work that West Center does to provide for people like her who needs affordable health care and support. I am always so glad and so grateful that our city provides a model senior center for other cities, with a plethora of services and a wonderful environment to support the elder members of our society.
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Katrina HungWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
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