Conclusion: All Things Considered

With this blog post comes the end of my volunteer experiences for an entire semester. It was a semester full of new experiences, shifting boundaries, and wonderful memories. I would not trade the time I spent at The Renaissance for anything in the world, I believe I have grown as a person as a result of my endeavors. You wouldn't know it by looking at me, but I can feel the changes. I recognize I've become more accepting, more forgiving, and even more comfortable with myself and those around me.

Older adults can be stubborn and grumpy. They can be slow, difficult to understand, and hard of hearing. They sleep quite a lot and seem to move at their own pace.However, that isn't all there is to them. Through my volunteer experience, I've learned that, despite all the things I said previously, older adults can be some of the most wonderful people in the world. I was pleasantly surprised by many of the residents, and my preconceived notions were blown out of the water. I met some of the funniest, liveliest, most fascinating people I believe I could ever have had the pleasure of knowing. Their life experiences are all different and they each have something to share with the world, even to this day.

Throughout this semester and this class, I've contemplated what I wanted to do in regard to volunteering for an extended period of time. I deliberated within myself, trying to decide if this was something I really wished to continue. I have decided, and volunteering my time to older adults in my community is definitely an experience I wish to continue. There is something so fulfilling to see the smiles on their faces a single visit can bring. I have gained a better understanding of how older adults function and what they need from each of us, and I know we all have a lot to give to each other. Through class, I have learned so much, and I wish to do all I can to benefit the older adults in my community.

So, is this the end of my blog? For a time, yes, it is the end. However, goodbye doesn't have to be forever. In the near future, I will return with new experiences and new stories. I look forward to sharing each and every story with my readers. This may be the end of one chapter, but an entire book still waits to be written. In closing, I would like to thank my professor, Dr. Melancon, and my supervisor, Amber, for allowing me the privilege to work with older adults and to learn so much in such a short time. I feel truly blessed by the experience, and cannot wait to continue in the future.