The Power of Presence: Gendered Rhetoric Students Partner with Oak Crest Senior Living Community
During the fall 2020 semester, 17 students in Dr. Andrea Leary鈥檚 Gendered Rhetoric
class had the opportunity to offer a service of presence and beautifully written biographies
to 17 female residents at Oak Crest Senior Living Community. The students called the
residents, talked each week, and listened. After, they composed stories about their
lives and revised them with precision. They were printed for the residents and delivered
in January.In Debbie Hall鈥檚, 鈥淭he Power of Presence,鈥� she notes that she is 鈥渞epeatedly struck by the healing power of connection created by being fully there in the quiet understanding of another. I believe in the power of presence, and it is not only something we give to others. It always changes me鈥攁nd always for the better鈥� (This I Believe 102). This most certainly was the case in the remote learning environment.
Students remarked how powerful this experience was for them, and how it helped them feel connected during a time of extreme isolation. One student鈥檚 biography was shared with the family of a resident who recently passed away鈥攁 powerful moment for that student, understanding, without a doubt, the power of words. Several students stayed in contact all year with their partners.
Because their residents had a similarly positive experience, Oak Crest has asked the Writing Department to continue this partnership this year. The Writing Department鈥檚 Honor Society will be pairing up with residents soon. Two of the students who were involved during the FA20 semester are eager to engage again.
