間眅埶AV

1. What first gave you the idea of hosting intergenerational flower workshops?

Intergenerational connections have always been important to me. They shaped my early experiences and continue to influence my academic work, especially in my role as a sessional instructor teaching about aging. Sydney, my longtime friend and co-facilitator, brings a different but complementary perspective through her background in floral design and public health. Over time, we often found ourselves talking about how older adults and flowers have played a role in both our lives. Those conversations gradually shaped the idea for a collaborative workshop. Combining my experience with aging and education and Sydney���s creative approach felt like a thoughtful way to bring generations together in a shared, hands-on setting.

2. How did funding from the Community Engagement Initiative support your events?

The funding we received from 間眅埶AV���s Community Engagement Initiative really helped move this idea from concept to reality. It supported not only the logistics but also allowed us to think more intentionally about what we wanted participants to experience. Because of the grant, we were able to offer both workshops at no cost, which made them much more accessible���especially for our community partner, the West End Seniors' Network. It also gave us room to plan carefully, prioritize inclusivity, and create a welcoming environment where people could genuinely engage and feel at ease.

3. Did you notice any meaningful connections between the students and seniors? 

Yes, and it happened faster than we expected. Although we prepared conversation prompts just in case, participants didn���t need them. They chose their own partners and immediately began sharing stories. We saw moments of curiosity, laughter, and mutual learning throughout the session. Some talked about how it felt nice to slow down and spend time creating with someone from a different generation. When we held the second workshop, many of the same pairs returned, happy to reconnect and continue where they left off. Sydney���s facilitation also made a big impact; she has a gift for creating environments where people feel comfortable opening up.

4. How did the seniors react to the activity?

Their response was overwhelmingly positive. Many shared stories that were sparked by the flowers: memories of gardens they once tended, loved ones they gifted arrangements to, or even work they did in hospitality. One woman reminisced about running a bed and breakfast and designing floral pieces, saying the workshop brought back fond memories. Others really appreciated the chance to talk and create with younger people. One participant described it as ���a breath of fresh air,��� which summed up the atmosphere well, it was warm, lighthearted, and filled with moments of reflection and joy.

5. What do you think intergenerational events like this bring to a community?

They offer something simple yet incredibly valuable: connection. Events like these give people space to share their perspectives in ways that don���t feel forced or formal. There���s something unique about creating together, it helps break the ice and levels the playing field. The emotional impact is real, even though the format is accessible and easy to replicate. You don���t need elaborate planning to achieve meaningful engagement, just a good idea and a thoughtful environment.

6. How did this workshop help bridge generational gaps?

It encouraged people to connect based on shared experiences rather than differences in age. Through creative collaboration, participants learned from one another and found unexpected common ground. Conversations touched on everything from cultural traditions to personal interests, and the creative process helped make those interactions feel natural. By the end of the workshop, many participants were surprised by how much they had in common with someone from a different generation. 

7. How do you hope participants felt after the workshops?

I hope they left feeling uplifted, creatively inspired, socially connected, and emotionally nourished. More than anything, I hope they walked away with a sense of belonging: that their stories were heard, their presence valued, and their contributions celebrated. Judging by the warmth in the room and the reflections we received afterward, it���s clear the workshops made a lasting impression. My hope is that those moments didn���t just stay with them for the day but sparked something they carry forward in their lives, long after the flowers faded.