When we first arrived, me, Neena, Janan, and Shivan, we at first thought we were at the wrong location. It wasn’t until when we walked in we saw a familiar face and the receptionist. A few things I noticed at the Bayside Community Center was the little space, mirrors (was it previously a gym or dance location?), and Chinese new year equipment stored on one of the shelves. So I’m assuming maybe there’s a big Chinese/Asian demographic that utilizes the center. Zumba was so fun and hilarious at the same time. The elders knew what they were doing and us students were trying to keep up (which is really funny!). Zumba was difficult in the beginning but I think I got the hang of it after a while. I definitely would do it again to be honest.
After the zumba class a couple of classmates and I interacted with one of the elders that was at the zumba class. He’s Filipino-American and a US Veteran (Navy). He was telling us about his life and how he likes America because of the benefits. He’s been living in Linda Vista for about 25 years (?) I think but San Diego in general longer. He retired in Linda Vista because there’s a lot of services for Veterans around the are and close proximity to hospitals such as sharp etc. His wife and him go to Bayside Community Center for the Zumba classes and other activities. Sometimes the classes are free depending on the instructor etc. Him and his wife paid $6 altogether for the class ($3 each together but individual pricing is $4).
One thing I learned was how important community centers are. They need support from the community to exist and provide to the community. Bayside has existed for 87 years but switched locations. I can see how valuable it is to the community members and the aging populations and hope it can persist to exist and keep building better resources for the community. Another thing I learned that no matter how a community center looks or is located it’s existence is valuable and needed. The entire vibe of Bayside Community Center was very wholesome and homey. I hope to go back at my own time and can't wait to visit with class next quarter.
After the zumba class a couple of classmates and I interacted with one of the elders that was at the zumba class. He’s Filipino-American and a US Veteran (Navy). He was telling us about his life and how he likes America because of the benefits. He’s been living in Linda Vista for about 25 years (?) I think but San Diego in general longer. He retired in Linda Vista because there’s a lot of services for Veterans around the are and close proximity to hospitals such as sharp etc. His wife and him go to Bayside Community Center for the Zumba classes and other activities. Sometimes the classes are free depending on the instructor etc. Him and his wife paid $6 altogether for the class ($3 each together but individual pricing is $4).
One thing I learned was how important community centers are. They need support from the community to exist and provide to the community. Bayside has existed for 87 years but switched locations. I can see how valuable it is to the community members and the aging populations and hope it can persist to exist and keep building better resources for the community. Another thing I learned that no matter how a community center looks or is located it’s existence is valuable and needed. The entire vibe of Bayside Community Center was very wholesome and homey. I hope to go back at my own time and can't wait to visit with class next quarter.