This past quarter with the life course scholars has been one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had in my UCSD coursework, definitely taking place in one of the top classes to remember. The course has opened my eyes to new perspectives I’ve never had exposure to from my peers, professors, professionals working in the field, and the aging community. While I’ve never had explicitly negative impressions on the aging community, I was guilty of falling for some of the common stereotypes (e.g. “what is there to do when you’re older”, “all older folks have the same hobbies/interests”, etc). However, this course was the best outlet to not only personally challenge my thinking, but to also learn firsthand from the community themselves.
Some of my personal key highlights from the course would have to include the affordable housing tour, the senior prom and the process of completing the Oral History Project with my mother. Each of these events taught me diverse lessons. The affordable housing tour was able to give me a brief overview of the aging community in San Diego and specifically the problems faced by those of low-income. Furthermore, the tour gave a small look into what some of the urban planning and policies are currently in place for seniors. Both the senior prom at the Gary & Mary West and the oral history project were able to open my eyes to perspectives from the people I was specifically able to talk to. From them, I learned the impacts of the course of events in one’s life on their current place in life and perspective.
I’ve had such a great time working through this course structured carefully by the professors, Dr. Lewis and Dr .Bussel. Although I know the course is going to go under some major changes in the following quarter given the current state of the country, I’m excited to see all the hard work the professors are putting in to alter the course and to help weave through the course into something special. Despite the immovable setbacks, I’m still looking forward to what Life Course Scholars will have in store next quarter!
Some of my personal key highlights from the course would have to include the affordable housing tour, the senior prom and the process of completing the Oral History Project with my mother. Each of these events taught me diverse lessons. The affordable housing tour was able to give me a brief overview of the aging community in San Diego and specifically the problems faced by those of low-income. Furthermore, the tour gave a small look into what some of the urban planning and policies are currently in place for seniors. Both the senior prom at the Gary & Mary West and the oral history project were able to open my eyes to perspectives from the people I was specifically able to talk to. From them, I learned the impacts of the course of events in one’s life on their current place in life and perspective.
I’ve had such a great time working through this course structured carefully by the professors, Dr. Lewis and Dr .Bussel. Although I know the course is going to go under some major changes in the following quarter given the current state of the country, I’m excited to see all the hard work the professors are putting in to alter the course and to help weave through the course into something special. Despite the immovable setbacks, I’m still looking forward to what Life Course Scholars will have in store next quarter!