SWAHS Students Partner with Community Members for an Intergenerational Project

South Washington Alternative High School (SWAHS) students recently sat down with older people for a writing assignment designed to capture the life stories of these older adults.

The intergenerational storytelling project helped break stereotypes of older people and teenagers and made the students believe they have something significant to offer to an adult: the ability to listen.

The writing project involved each student getting paired with one older adult to capture their unique life stories through an essay they are writing for their final English project. 

Mesha, a high school senior, said she was nervous in the first meeting with her partner, but soon realized there was nothing to be nervous about.

“As the conversation started, I realized I could just talk to Pat like a friend,” said Mesha.

As it turned out, Pat worked in the clown industry for 22 years, which intrigued Mesha.

“She showed me pictures,” reflected Mesha. “... and I didn't have words.”  

Sean, a high school senior, didn't feel nervous at all.

“I wasn't nervous or anything,” he said. “I got to learn a lot of things and how things were years ago.” 

Gretchen Carlson, the Coordinator for Adult Enrichment and Activities, along with Elliott Vang, a Cultural Liaison, and Katherine Harmeyer, an English teacher, came up with the idea for this project.

“It’s nice to make older people feel important and honored that somebody cares about their story,” said Gretchen.

DJ, a high school senior, said he initially felt nervous, but once he started talking to Kaye, he felt like he was talking to his own grandmother.

“She was telling me stories that made me feel like my grandma was telling me stories,” said DJ, “her husband was a mechanic, my grandfather was a mechanic. It went smoothly after that.” 

The students all agree that they want this project to continue for future students because it helped break stereotypes of both teenagers and older people.

“This shouldn't stop at one writing assignment,” said Elliot. “The seeds of these connections are planted, and now we help water them to grow.”