Old but Gold | Monomad

in Black And White7 days ago (edited)

It’s been a long day for me. My day started with feeling nervous because, in my graduate school class, I was assigned a topic I’m not familiar with: engaging social issues in service learning. I have doubts about my presentation, as the topic was a bit overwhelming.


lola.jpgphotography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens


In my presentation,I shared some photographs I captured last Friday, a picture of an 87-year-old woman who is my neighbor. We often have short conversations. I asked her why no one was assisting her, and she told me that she is alone because her son and grandson are busy with parties and friends. They don’t seem to care about her situation.


lola1.jpgphotography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens


A question crossed my mind as I reflected on her situation: Will I experience this when I reach her age? Will everyone abandon me, too?


lola3.jpgphotography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens


I tried to open a conversation with her, but it seems that she has a hearing problems too. It is heartbreaking to see an 87-year-old woman with health problems, yet no one seems to care. This is an alarming issue, and we need to take better care of the elderly. It is our responsibility to look after them as they grow older, we need to love them. In my class, I emphasized that the younger generation today often focuses only on short-term happiness.


lola2.jpgphotography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens


lola4.jpgphotography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens


We need to integrate service learning into our curriculum to expose the younger generation to the potential consequences of blindly following trends on social media. Trends like partying, smoking, and other vices are often promoted by social media influencers, and these behaviors can have a harmful impact. By incorporating service learning, we can help raise awareness about these issues and encourage young people to make more thoughtful decisions.


lola5.jpg photography by gohenry | using canon r8 - with 35mm lens