Global Studies students connected with Sebastopol Area Senior Center (SASC) News Group members to delve into intergenerational conversations regarding their similarities and differences. This project is a collaborative effort between the Gravenstein Health Action Coalition (GHAC), Sebastopol Area Senior Center (SASC), and Analy to foster community engagement and understanding.
Social science teacher Rachel Ambrose teaches the Global Studies course, which is "designed to empower students to explore global issues and deepen their understanding of global, regional, and local connections. It helps them recognize their own and others’ perspectives."
"'Some students have never had a conversation with anyone from this generation other than a grandparent,'” Ambrose said.“'I really appreciated seeing the interaction between different age groups and the opportunity to break down barriers to communication between two groups that often have misconceptions about each other.'” The group of students comprised 14- and 15-year-olds who asked the seniors predetermined questions over a pizza lunch at the Analy Libary patio. They discussed their passions, conflicts, and challenges with people of different ages.
The conversations were mutually beneficial; one student remarked that she was delighted to speak with someone who was truly listening to her. Another student remarked “I learned that older people are also discriminated against because of their age. I also learned that a lot of elderly people care about things that happen today as well as when they were younger and relate the two.”
Overall, the intergenerational conversations had positive affects for both sides and the three partners responsible for this project look forward to continuing these conversations in the future. To read the article by the Sonoma Couty Gazette, click here.