The Adopt a Grandparent program has welcomed two new leaders: juniors Juliette Ralston and Sierra Turner. They have shown strong leadership and dedication to the program by prioritizing relationships with students participating in it and with residents at Boutwells Landing.
The program heavily focuses on building relationships with residents and creating a welcoming environment. It fosters intergenerational learning and can help strengthen contrasting communities. The younger generation may find it difficult to relate to older generations because of their vast differences in life experiences and opportunities.
Adopt a Grandparent is an opportunity for students who want to learn how to communicate with people of older generations. There is difficulty in speaking with people who have different backstories or interests.
“I love being able to learn more about how to communicate with people, especially those older than me. It is a different kind of connection, and it has taught me that everyone has a different background, and as a younger generation, we have to be able to listen and be patient with older people,” Ralston said.
Not only does Adopt a Grandparent help advance communication with older generations, but it also strengthens students’ abilities to speak with each other efficiently and adequately. The teenage generation is often considered young and less skilled in communication. The students who participate in the program have found it extremely helpful in their leadership and public speaking skills.
Turner has been a good role model for students participating in the program as her leadership skills have improved throughout the year. She has found the program very helpful for her too as it “has taught me to have stronger speaking skills because as a leader, I have to be able to give announcements and talk in front of large crowds,” Turner said.
Ralston and Turner have shown their leadership by coming up with solutions to unexpected problems. They work fast when there are bumps in the road; residents at Boutwells and students in the program notice and appreciate it.
Advisor Alison Schroeder speaks about how Turner and Ralston have done an impressive job of prioritizing that each student is paired with a resident consistently. Their approach has continued to foster stronger relationships between the students and the residents. It ensures that students have a reliable support system throughout their time in the program. Turner and Ralston have not only strengthened the sense of community, but they have also provided stability and guidance for every member. As they have prioritized pairing each resident with a student, they have created a strategy that allows for more meaningful relationship building and strengthening trust between the students and the residents.
Ralston and Turner have done an incredible job at showing leadership and building relationships. They have applied their guidance in several ways and inspired many. This program is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to build strong speaking skills and create meaningful relationships.
“A connection with someone that is not of their generation is helpful. A lot of the residents develop a relationship and will tell stories about their lives,” Schroeder said.
As Ralston and Turner lead, their contributions to the program are inspiring examples of intergenerational connections and the impact of good leadership. Whether students are looking to strengthen their public speaking abilities, learn how to listen or build impactful relationships, the Adopt a Grandparent program provides a valuable experience that benefits both young and old generations.
