Story By Debbie Jones | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — The Cyber Seniors program, co-sponsored by the Rancho Cucamonga Service Council and the city, is a free service that began in September, assisting older citizens throughout the community to learn about using social media.
Each week, students from Rancho Cucamonga High and Alta Loma Junior High volunteer their time utilizing their computer skills in mentoring the seniors.
“The vision of this program is to bridge the age gap in our community using the internet as a means to bring our youth and older citizens together,” said Caryn Payzant, president of the RC Service Council. “We are excited about how much this program has grown and benefited both seniors and students!”
As a leader and student at Rancho Cucamonga High, Elizabeth Alvarez, 17, serves as the director of the Cyber Seniors program at the James L. Brulte Senior Center.
“We have worked with several seniors who knew nothing about computers or just a minimal amount…some didn’t even know how to use a mouse!” she said.
“After one month of helping them, they are now at the point of using smartphones, Facebook, Pinterest, finding things they can use like Amazon, Kindle (to buy eBooks) and how to order products for skin and hair. I even helped a few sign on to eBay to sell things! We’ve also taught them how to access their Kaiser Permanente account and medical records. It is great because you see their progress each week… very exciting!”
Mckenna Gallagher, 16, student at RCHS has been volunteering in the computer lab at the senior center since the program started and said it has been very rewarding.
“It is exciting to open that world for them. I have found I need to try to be really patient and find creative ways to teach them. It’s kind of like teaching little children, because most of them don’t know anything about this type of technology. We grew up with it, so I have to go slow…step by step.”
Cyber Seniors has opened new doors for those seniors who have gone to the classes.
Santi Gorospe, 75, has attended three classes in the computer lab and said, “I learned how to do a PowerPoint presentation! I got a Samsung Galaxy tablet for my 75th birthday and today am going to learn how to use it. It is a great program. I feel confident because the volunteers have really helped me by sharing their knowledge and talent. It has opened my eyes…it is limitless what you can do! As seniors, it improves our quality of life.”
Teresa Daigle, 89, said she never had interest in cyber space until now.
“There was no such thing in 1971, when I worked as and RN in charge of health service at Brian College in Rhode Island. If someone else can do it, why can’t I?” she said.
For the students who volunteer at Alta Loma Junior High, the program has helped them build confidence, character and teaching skills.
“Cyber Seniors has allowed our students to take a different point of view in their day. They are more concerned with the successes of the seniors than their normal concerns of junior high life. I love that are so eager to help out by going to meetings and greeting seniors in the office,” observed Katie Knickerbocker, Cyber Senior Club adviser at ALJH.
“It’s amazing to see the students take on the role of community helper. You can tell that they feel good about themselves, but more so, the successes of the seniors”, commented Margaux Cruz, also an adviser at ALJH.
“I like working with seniors because they are really sweet. It is a time for me to be able to make a change,” said AJHS student Bella Diebold, 12.
“I like what I can get out of it, not fame or fortune…the educational value experience. It makes me feel good to be helping others,” commented Hanna Thomas, 12, also a student at Alta Loma.
Seniors and youth interested in attending the free Cyber Seniors classes can choose from two locations for at least the rest of the school year:
• Alta Loma Junior High, 9000 Lemon Avenue, every Wednesday from 2:15-3:30 p.m./Computer Lab
• James L. Brulte Senior Center/Central Park every Thursday from 4-6 p.m./ Computer Lab
For more information: rcservicecouncil.org
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Story By Debbie Jones | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
