Today, I volunteered my time at Google helping teach the elderly how to make better use of technology.
I was partnered with Anne, a retired lawyer from Dublin, who wanted to learn how to better use Gmail to keep in touch with her daughter, Andrea (and “the gang” – her children) and her other friends.
“The reason I didn’t start using a computer earlier in my life was that everything I needed was in a book thicker than my computer,” Anne said. “I’d just photocopy it.”
First test: logging in. A few simple clicks, and Anne was back in business.
After logging in, we learned how to navigate her email and replied to a few messages, which included thanking her in-laws for a Christmas gift and replying to a gal pal’s request for coffee next week. We also opened a message with an attachment with an invitation to an educational event at Trinity College Dublin.
“I’m taking classes to stay sharp,” she said. “When you’re retired, you’ve got time to do these things.”
“I love that,” I replied. “I think continuing education is so important.”
Anne had trouble knowing which side of her laptop’s trackpad to click on, favoring right clicking because she’s right-handed.
“I always mess this up,” she said.
“Don’t worry. Just a bit of practice. We’ll get it!” I encouraged.
After clearing her inbox, we had one more message to send – a final test to pass: Anne would email me at my Google email address.
Below is what she sent – a message called “Courage,” because she’d never sent a message with an attachment before. Safe to say she passed. 🙂
“One more thing before we wrap up,” I said. I went into the supplies drawer and grabbed a small, green circular sticker and placed it in the lower lefthand corner of her trackpad.
“So you won’t forget,” I said. We both smiled.
When we were packing up, Anne asked me, “Do you like candles?”
“Candles? Well, sure. I’ve got lots in my apartment,” I said.
She reached into her bag and pulled out two large, red candlesticks.
“Now you’ve got two more,” she said. “You’ve been such a good teacher, and I’m so happy I got to spend time with you today.”
“I am too, Anne. I loved sharing your company.”
I escorted her out and we said our goodbyes. I got back to my desk and replied to her email, thanking her again, and letting her know I was always an email away if she needed anything.
I’m confident I’ll get a reply.
This post was originally published on January 12th, 2018
Ian Estabrook 