BACKDuring Term 2, two groups of students went to the Knightsbridge Retirement Village to present a seminar speech on a topic of our choice. This included topics such as swimming with humpback whales in Tahiti to movie reviews. We had the opportunity to share parts of our lives with the residents, such as our backgrounds, school life, and experiences, which sparked conversation and connection. The experience allowed us to step outside of our comfort zones, build confidence in public speaking, and strengthen our collaborative and planning skills. More than just a presentation, it was a meaningful exchange. The residents welcomed us with curiosity, showing genuine interest in what we had to say. Their thoughtful responses and shared experiences reminded us of the importance of cross-generational communication. It was rewarding to see how sharing personal experiences can create moments of joy, understanding, and community.
Here is what some of the participants had to say about their involvement:
“Before I went to take part in the seminar, I was quite nervous to speak to the residents. But when I actually did the presentation, the residents were very kind and lovely. I encourage students to take part in these opportunities and experiences to feel the warmth of connection.”
Esther Choi
“I had the opportunity to visit a local retirement home for a student seminar and share a personal story about the time I went swimming with whales in Tahiti. It was so good to see how interested the residents were in what I had to say, and also how many of them had been to Tahiti!”
Cleo Duirs
This seminar not only helped us grow as individuals but also allowed us to connect across the wider community and generations, which reminded us of the impact of even the simplest and smallest interactions.
By Danielle Lee and Luisa Monteiro
