For the past semester, EngAGE has enjoyed the enthusiasm and expertise of graduate student Shuqing (“Elaine”) Zhang, who is majoring in gerontology and participating in the USC Graduate School of Gerontology Internship program. She has been working virtually and in person with EngAGE Regional Program Director Sandra Vargas at several of our communities: Bella Vita, Metro@Chinatown Senior Lofts, Metro@Compton Senior Apartments, Metro@Hollywood Senior Apartments, and Vermont Family Apartments.
Elaine’s role has included participating in our existing programming as well as offering her own classes and presentations, which have covered topics such as the cultural differences between China and the United States; the Chinese Spring Festival; how to make special Chinese snacks; and how to play mahjong, the popular Chinese game of skill, strategy, and luck.
Our collaboration allows us to see how Elaine’s efforts impact the residents, and she benefits from direct contact with them. We appreciate our shared experience!
Elaine explains the internship program: ‘This course provides an opportunity for students to utilize the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that we have learned as part of our professional preparation as gerontologists. Time at our internship site allows us to temporarily assume the role of aging professionals; time participating in exercises and engaging in discussions will challenge us to feel more confident in our future role as a gerontologist and encourage us to share/reflect on our own and each other’s experiences.”
