Armstrong Students Bond with Seniors Over Technology
No matter how tech savvy you are, sometimes new technology can get you down. Whether it’s learning a new device or getting a software upgrade, adjusting to change can be tough.
Seniors at Calvary Center Cooperative tackle tech problems head on, with the help of students from Armstrong High School.
“They are getting their problems solved,” says Maureen Sandgren, a marketing associate from Calvary Center Cooperative. “Some are learning how to use a phone or maybe a laptop that they’ve never used because they’ve frustrated trying to learn.”
The senior community reached out to Armstrong for assistance and organized monthly meetings with student volunteers. Residents have modest requests, ranging from how to use Facebook, download apps, download attachments on email, or use a new Windows operating program.
“What our students bring to the table is the technology expertise and what the seniors bring to the table is life experience,” says Carol Tracy, media specialist from Armstrong High School. “I love this program because it’s an intergenerational relationship between teenagers and seniors and I think each of those groups are unique in their own way.”
The students look forward to the program as much as the seniors do.
“I enjoy helping them. I love coming here and I never miss a day coming here,” says Urias Jah, who helped a senior open email attachments. “He just told me a nice story about the Navy and I’m trying to join the Navy.”
If all questions are answered and there’s extra time, often some students join seniors in a game of pool. The program has been a fun way for two generations to interact and share wisdom that goes both ways.
“It’s really fun to get to know people on a more personal basis and people that I don’t generally talk to. Usually I just talk to teenagers my own age,” says Ethan Womack. “No one has asked for help on Snapchat but I hope I’m here when they do because I can help them out.”
Armstrong High School