While graduating seniors nationwide embraced a time-honored tradition of skipping classes for a day near semester’s end, Greenville University students took Senior Skip Day in a whole new direction. They celebrated and served other “seniors”—older folks in the Greenville community, even drawing national recognition. GU students initiated this day of serving others several years ago, but COVID-19 prevented them from bringing it back… until now!
This year’s Experience First students Cayden Sharp, Connor Mortland, Jared Beyers, Moriah Summers, and Amarie White organized 53 classmates to bring joy to persons aged 60 and above by doing chores in their homes and hosting them for food and games at a special event.
Early in the semester, the students met with their project partner, Melissa Marti from Bond County Senior Center to determine how they could truly serve these valued friends and neighbors.
Since 1976, the Senior Center has created and delivered programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for Bond County residents.
After a brainstorming session, the students quickly recognized that over the past two years, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many older adults who usually frequented the Center did not get out. They experienced feelings of isolation, loneliness, and increased depression. And, though students embraced technologies like Zoom meetings and FaceTime conversations with family and friends that kept them connected, older persons may not have the skills to engage others virtually.
How could students help?
The students decided to raise awareness among their peers about social isolation in older adults, revive GU’s Senior Skip Day, and serve seniors in the community by teaching them how to use technology to stay connected.
What resources were available?
Technology, it’s everywhere. Several Amazon Fire Kindles were donated to the Senior Center, but folks who frequented the Center did not know how to work them. Students imagined providing a crash course on basic device training, the importance of internet and browsing safety, and how to use Zoom.
The solution is a Disco Party!
Merging community service and fun activities such as Bingo and music with food and smart-device training was a sure way to success!
On May 5th, various GU students kicked off part one of Senior Skip Day with community service. Students reached out to various community members that were in need, be it by mowing lawns, cleaning up yards, or helping in other ways.
Part two, was a disco-themed celebration party at Toastiez in the Greenville SMART Center where students served food, assisted with games, and provided training on the Kindle Fire Tablet, which continues to be available at the Senior Center.
Connor Mortland and Jared Byers programmed and updated all of the tablets and prepared a guide sheet for any new or returning users.
Senior Skip Day group member and BSU event coordinator, Amarie White, says working with her Experience First group was truly a memorable experience and her team members truly felt like family. Although none of them knew each other before teaming up, she said “we ended up being very like-minded and that made us closer.”
As Senior Skip Day continues to expand and evolve, this year's group is excited to see the tradition continue.
Special thanks to:
Melissa & the members of The Bond County Senior Center
Danara Moore, Director of Experiential Learning
Missy Durbin, Project Coach
Learn more about Experience First capstone project.
BSU - Black Student Union
Original source can be found here.
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