This past Wednesday, I sweated more in class than I could ever imagine. Surprisingly this time, it wasn’t because of any school related anxiety. This time it was because of Zumba! This past Wednesday we got the opportunity to visit Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista. We joined some of the elder community members in their weekly Zumba class.
My first thought upon arriving at the center was that I’d accidentally driven to the wrong place. I thought, “This? This is the community center?” Aside from the signage that designated it as the Bayside Community Center, the old, 1 story brick building looked more like a packing house or warehouse than a community gathering place. As someone driving by, you wouldn’t give this place a second thought really. My classmate Joey, who grew up in the Linda Vista area, revealed that this building used to be a 99 cents store. Though it wasn’t much outside looking in, I later learned that this center is truly a hidden gem in its own way.
Immediately after walking in, I could see the cultural richness that Bayside holds. Mini blossom trees adorned with red enveloped sat on some tables, ready for the upcoming Chinese and Vietnamese New Year. There were several mosaic art pieces hung throughout the walls that showcased the diverse faces of the older women of color that helped build up the community center. Though the space itself wasn’t grand, the many years of history and generations of immigrant communities left a presence.
During the Zumba session, there was a handful of elder adults among our large group. There were regulars, and there were first timers. We all enthusiastically followed Linda, the Zumba instructor, as she energetically transitioned from move to move. Though I didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the older folks, it was heartwarming to see them laughing, getting lose, and enjoying our company. After that experience, I realized that intergenerational interaction can be from something so simple. All it takes is a willingness to bring together young, old, and middle-aged together to enjoy the little joys of life.
My first thought upon arriving at the center was that I’d accidentally driven to the wrong place. I thought, “This? This is the community center?” Aside from the signage that designated it as the Bayside Community Center, the old, 1 story brick building looked more like a packing house or warehouse than a community gathering place. As someone driving by, you wouldn’t give this place a second thought really. My classmate Joey, who grew up in the Linda Vista area, revealed that this building used to be a 99 cents store. Though it wasn’t much outside looking in, I later learned that this center is truly a hidden gem in its own way.
Immediately after walking in, I could see the cultural richness that Bayside holds. Mini blossom trees adorned with red enveloped sat on some tables, ready for the upcoming Chinese and Vietnamese New Year. There were several mosaic art pieces hung throughout the walls that showcased the diverse faces of the older women of color that helped build up the community center. Though the space itself wasn’t grand, the many years of history and generations of immigrant communities left a presence.
During the Zumba session, there was a handful of elder adults among our large group. There were regulars, and there were first timers. We all enthusiastically followed Linda, the Zumba instructor, as she energetically transitioned from move to move. Though I didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the older folks, it was heartwarming to see them laughing, getting lose, and enjoying our company. After that experience, I realized that intergenerational interaction can be from something so simple. All it takes is a willingness to bring together young, old, and middle-aged together to enjoy the little joys of life.