Can you pinpoint where you will be 30 years from now? In 50 years? It is hard to formulate an answer considering we are unaware of several unknown obstacles and factors that lead to each person’s version of the future. In truth, the “future” you may be picturing now may change in a year, month, or even week from now—and there is nothing wrong with that. We are all experiencing life for the first time and deserve the freedom to make our choices, so why not hear from those who have spent decades on this Earth?
The Malden Senior Community Center, located on 7 Washington Street, offers services, programs, and recreational activities for those over the age of 60. It seeks to ensure that the city’s seniors can experience a fulfilling environment after serving a pivotal role in our society. Upon entering the center, community members of various genders, sexualities, races, and ethnicities find themselves in a welcoming and productive space to spend their time.
When the elderly were asked about their time in high school, their hardships as teenagers, a favorite memory, and a piece of advice they would offer to students, nostalgia and wisdom poured through each word:
Where did you grow up and go to high school?
“I grew up in Pittsfield and went to high school in the same town.”
“I grew up in Boston and went to Roxbury High.”
“I grew up in China and went to high school there.”
“I grew up in Medford, but moved to Winchester later in my life where I attended high school.”
What was/were the biggest hardship(s) you faced as a teenager?
“I was not born here in the US…when you first come here as an immigrant, you don’t know any English, and then you go to a school like Roxbury High. My main issue was overcoming the language barrier, the best part was having the opportunity to learn English…but back then there would be issues in the school busing system where they tried to put different races in the background. There were pros and cons.”
“My parents were not financially stable, so from a young age I tried to put together money independently by tutoring students to try and pay for my school fees to the best of my capabilities.”
“Knowing my sexuality, knowing I was gay, at that time [the 1960s] it was difficult to be accepted by most people since it was not a known facet of life and the reality of LGBTQ+ folks was stereotyped. Some people think it’s a choice to be gay, but I do not believe that. It’s a part of who we are and we are born that way…my friendships became strained, so I did not come out to everyone.”
Over the years, we all encounter moments that become dear to us. What would you say is/are your favorite memory(s) or experience(s) you’ve encountered in your life?
“One of my dearest memories is when I met my partner 31 years ago. We instantly connected and in my eyes, it’s important to find someone you can trust, who supports you, complements you, and shares your values to make life enjoyable and happy.
“When I had my first grandson, it was so exciting. I couldn’t believe that, coming to America, I would have my own children who were born here, went to school here, and go to college. Now, they have their own family. It was a beautiful moment.”
“I can’t pinpoint a favorite memory, however, I like meeting new people, talking to them, getting to know them, and learning new things.”
“Becoming a mother was undeniably the most transformative experience of my life. The sheer joy of watching my child grow and learn, their innocent laughter echoing through the house, and the profound love I felt for the tiny human I created—it’s a happiness that surpassed all others. Every milestone, every snuggle, was a precious memory being made, and I cherished every single moment of the incredible journey.”
“I took a lot of trips to Europe, and toured around the country, and they were very interesting moments in my life.”
High school is stressful for many students, especially with the pressure on 12th graders to decide how they want to proceed with their lives. What advice would you give to high school students today?
“I would tell them to study and learn all that you can and avoid getting into troubling food relationships such as excessive dieting, accept your body.”
“In your senior year of high school, there is a lot of stress with the SAT exam and choosing your college. At that time you really don’t know what you want to do in your life, so just trust your instincts…I would advise that no matter what, you have to apply to college. Don’t say, ‘I’m no good, I don’t want to do it.’ Take that opportunity, don’t waste it—if you walk away, you may not have that same opportunity later on in life. Disregard what your friends are doing, think positive, and believe in your better future.”
“Always keep smiling and study the best you can.”
“Trust your abilities, focus on your aim, ignore aspects that distract you, and be optimistic.”
“Find a counselor, a friend, or one person to whom they can disclose information and get advice from someone in guidance, or a trusted role to emotionally or spiritually reach out and unload the burden. Don’t internalize issues, let it out.”
High school is one of the most significant parts of a teenager’s life; and oftentimes, a bad grade, a disagreement with your friend, or a lost game will feel like the end of the world. Life is not—by any means—easy. You will have ups and downs, you will struggle, you will laugh until your ribs hurt, you will have treasured moments, and you will cry, but the amalgamation of these memories is what makes every story worth telling—even the failures.
