On Monday, I interviewed Kate M., a junior at Trinity School. She was initially introduced to Sweet Readers by a friend at school in 7th grade, and worked with the same elder through the program for two years. This experience inspired her to apply for and join the Leadership Council in her Freshman Year, which she has been a part of ever since. Kate says that Sweet Readers empowers young people in a huge way: “we are given a lot of responsibility [and are] inspired to navigate a super … [Read more...]
The Changing Experience of Being Present
What does being Present mean? Before this pandemic, to me at least, it was partially defined by physical presence - that is, being in the same room with a person. As a Sweet Reader connecting with older adults in my school, being Present allowed my partners to immerse themselves in the activity, which brought up old memories and new feelings for them. Commonalities and conversations grew as pages of artwork were filled. I could see moods change from stoic and reserved to bubbly and excited, … [Read more...]