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Healthy You Archives |
Aging Well
Learning Through SagingTeens talk about what they gain from older folks who generously share their wisdom “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Andrew Mercer, 18, of Allentown, recites this famous quote as he talks about the “sages” who’ve influenced him with their life stories. “If no one shares their experiences, we make the same mistakes again and again,” he says.
Who is a sage? A grandparent, parent, neighbor, teacher—anyone willing to nurture the younger generation. See the impact in the stories of these local teens and their personal sages. “Every man in my family has served in the military since the Civil War. They inspired me to do the same.”Andrew Mercer cherishes his grandfather’s uniform from World War II. It was passed on to him along with stories from his grandmother, who lived through that era, his great-grandfather, who fought in World War I, and his father, a Vietnam veteran. “I’ve learned how presidents and politics influenced the times, men faced horror on the battlefields, and resources were scarce at home,” Mercer says. “War affects everyone and shouldn’t be taken lightly. But it may be necessary to prevent an attack on our homeland. From the older people in my family, I realize I owe something to my country, too.” “My neighbor is a cool guy. I remember our talks when I face difficult situations.”Jamaris DeJesus, 15, of Bethlehem, doesn’t like her friends to drink alcohol. “I just want to yell at them,” she says. But then she remembers neighbor Joe Gonzalez’s stories of being a New York City police officer and overseeing emergency services for the mayor. “He was in some dangerous situations and he always stayed calm,” she says. “So I tell myself, ‘stay calm.’ ” DeJesus wants to learn “the deep stuff, the important stuff, how life felt” from her sages. Sharing at this level, she says, benefits both parties: “If you open up with someone, it can help you, too.” “Stick with your values. Work hard. Be thankful for what you have. That’s what my family teaches me.”Dan Jurasits, 16, of Allentown, has found new independence since working at Adam’s Glass. “My dad tells me about his high school job and how valuable it was,” he says. “Dad was able to buy a car, and now I’m doing the same thing. Paying for it gives me a taste of the real world.” Jurasits has learned old-fashioned values like hard work and gratitude through the stories his family shares at holiday dinners. He and his grandfather talk in the barbershop, too. All this input, he says, “will help me when I’m truly on my own.” This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:
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 November December 2008 Eating Healthy
Staying Fit
Caring for Mind and Body
Just for Women
Just for Men
Raising a Family
Heart of Healthy You
Protecting Your Health
Coping with Illness
Aging Well
Keeping Up to Date
Weight Control
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