Over the past 3 months, our students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Carrington: Through Our Eyes Program, a project that fosters meaningful connections between generations. Students were paired with residents at Carrington, building relationships, sharing stories, and learning from the wisdom of those who have lived through decades of life experiences.

Ella shared her reflections:

On the 9th of May, I received an email from Miss Neasy that I was accepted to do the Carrington: Through Your Eyes Program! Since that day, every week for 12 weeks, I had the uttermost pleasure of being able to get to know a lovely gentleman by the name of Charles. During our first meeting, he revealed to us that he was 98 years old, and I was honestly baffled. The overflowing wisdom, advice, and stories that he shared over the past few months are something that will stick with me forever. He taught me his advice for things like life and love, and made an effort to relate to me every single day, and I loved it. This program was just as rewarding in the last week as it was in the first. I couldn’t recommend this program more for people, and I can’t thank Miss Neasy and the Carrington staff enough for all they did.

As a final note, I’d like to share the advice he passed on:

About love - 'Love is always give and take. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something. And you have to put the effort in.'

About life - 'Do everything in moderation.'"

Isibeal reflected on the value of connection:

Volunteering at Carrington was a meaningful experience where we got to know the residents on a personal level. Over time, we built real connections through everyday conversations and connected with a different generation. It didn’t take long for those interactions to feel natural and genuine. I learnt a lot just by listening to the residents’ stories and being present. The atmosphere was warm and familiar, and it was clear that our time there mattered to them as much as it did to us. Overall, it was a very rewarding, memorable experience that taught the value of consistency and connection.

Over the course of the program, students documented the stories, passions, and shared moments with the residents and created a video celebrating their lives and experiences. The program concluded with a special presentation, which even coincided with the celebration of a resident’s 101st birthday, making the moment even more memorable.

The program provided benefits for both students and residents: students developed empathy, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for the wisdom that comes with age, while residents gained connection, companionship, and a sense of being valued and heard. Residents also learnt from students, gaining insight into contemporary perspectives, technology, and the energy and curiosity of youth.

Carrington: Through Our Eyes exemplifies the power of intergenerational learning, showing how meaningful relationships can be built when generations come together to share stories, celebrate milestones, and learn from one another.