Cassandra Jordan

Cassandra Jordan

Still working at age 66, Cassandra Jordan had two wishes. One was to spend more quality time with her grandson, and the other to explore new learning opportunities. Well, Cassandra found both through Elderhostel.

For one week, she and eight year-old Isaac shared an outdoor adventure and learning program with a group of other adults and children. They learned together, played together, and explored new adventures they may not have tried without the others' encouragement. Cassandra appreciates her grandson's insight and perspective, as well as the opportunity to share her wisdom with him.

A self-proclaimed "perpetual student", Cassandra has found a way to keep her mind and body active, and to enjoy time with her family. "I believe that learning is a lifelong process and we don't stop learning because we stop going to school formally. There are so many opportunities to learn and this is an experience that I've never had before. It's a new learning opportunity and it's just great."

John Ferguson

John Ferguson

Seventy-five year-old John likes to keep his mind and body active in retirement. The question for John has been which of his many interests to pursue. Fortunately, that dilemma has become obsolete for John. At SUNY IT, he takes courses on topics he'd like to learn more about, but he also shares his interest and knowledge of computers, travel, mutual funds, and other topics as a course facilitator at the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement. In this unique education program, seniors share their work and life experiences with students of all ages. The program adds the richness of an intergenerational approach to education and to the friendships formed on campus.

The Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement has provided John with the motivation to rediscover old talents and cultivate a variety of new skills. "If this program did not exist there would be a large hole in my life."