These past few weeks have been amazing and I’m so grateful for everything that we were able to do this quarter. I really didn’t expect that we’d get the chance to do so many in-person things. Even this past Wednesday at Casa de Mañana, when we were introducing ourselves and explaining why we were drawn to the LCS program, it brought me so much joy to realize that this whole experience went above and beyond my expectations. After these introductions, we were able to get to know the residents more personally and I was struck by how much learning they were still doing. Both of the women I talked to were passionate about different things: one talked at length about all the languages she knew and how some of the other residents have set up a French table during lunch to practice together. It was eye-opening to see how vibrant everyone was and also deeply comforting to envision what an active retirement community looks like. At the same time, the experience was profoundly different from our discussions regarding our trip to Barrio Logan. It is difficult to see what good, quality care looks like but to know that it isn’t possible for everyone. However, in both places, there was a spirit of community and of participation and engagement. In Barrio Logan, this is reflected in the artwork and activism of the people. At Casa de Mañana, this is represented by the active role that residents take in creating activities and programs. Being out in the world on these trips has sparked my understanding of what aging currently looks like and what still needs to be changed. I just want to say one last time: I am so so thankful to have been part of this cohort. In our conversation, the two residents from Casa de Mañana said there’s always someone to sit with at lunch. This simple description also applies to our cohort and all my classmates; from day one, everyone was so easy to talk to and I have truly learned so much.
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Mariyah ShadMariyah Shad is a Global Health major with a minor in Business and Anthropology. She is from Carlsbad, Archives
March 2022
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