Digital Artifact Sp22 GRMN2101 (Prof. Ward)

“Speaking with my partner from Freunde Alte Menschen was one of the coolest and most impactful experience I have ever had. There are no words to sum up the chance to get a meer glimpse into the lives of people who you would never cross paths with, have your predisposition and assumptions proven wrong in seconds, and to share the joy of building a new friendship in minutes with someone from across the world.”

“I really enjoyed the Service Learning Project, and feel that I gained a lot from the experience. I initially was drawn to the class because of the opportunity to connect with German elders and work on my German speaking in the process. I have always enjoyed interacting with elders, and have engaged in service work (usually music based) at elderly homes in the past, so was excited to interact with elders again. My elder was A.”  

“There are many things that I wish I could have spoken to my partner about, but luckily

the conversation is not over! My partner was very generous with his time and offered on several occasions to have follow up conversations in the future, which I am sure I will take advantage of. He even offered for me to come visit him if I ever happen to be in the part of Germany that he lives in! I look forward soaking up any wisdom my partner is willing to share. As I learn more about him, I continue to find that he has lived a very interesting and adventurous life and has a lot of great stories to tell.”

“One of the biggest things that surprised me during these conversations is when Frau

W. told me that she was currently in a class to learn Spanish. For some odd reason, this really stuck with me. Throughout my whole life the only people I had met studying another language were all pretty much around the same age for me.”

“Her stories were so lively, and as an elder, she is still keeping it lively. She stays committed to gardening and climate mitigation, and I find that absolutely inspiring. I hope I stay as productive and passionate as I go on in life, because in Germany, it seems that people do what they can to keep up with their passions and the world around them.”