By NICOLE VALICEK
MELISSA Haber from Altona Meadows learned the valuable life lesson recently that ‘if you listen you might be surprised’.
The 21-year-old Swinburne University student recently participated in a three-month internship program called Celebrate Living History.
The focus of the internship, created by Frankston resident Bev Wilkinson in March this year, is to bridge the gap between young and old with students connecting with a senior to learn about and document their life story.
“It all started as one idea arising from interviewing seniors within the area of Frankston for an exhibition showcasing stories of local seniors,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“I realised if I wasn’t there to document these stories, one day they would be lost forever.”
“This activity is an opportunity for generations who ordinarily would not socialise with each other to connect, share skills and most of all have a good yarn.”
Melissa chose to write a story about her grandmother Judy Roulston that was published on the project website.
“My grandma had very interesting things to say about World War II, how she moved to Australia. The way she met her husband I thought was really sweet,” she said.
“I thought it was great – getting senior citizens to talk about things they otherwise keep to themselves is such a good idea.”
“There so many stories hidden behind them it’s a good opportunity for younger people to talk to older people. It’s good all-around really.”
Melissa said the experience made her think about senior citizens in a new light and to remember that “you don’t know until you ask”.
Ms Wilkinson wants to establish an annual publication showcasing the wonderful stories that the students have captured.
To see what Melissa and other students work visit www.celebratelivinghistory.com.au.
