.png)
When I was six years old, my family and I went to DuPont Lodge for dinner one
random Sunday after church. I wandered upstairs to find the restroom but ended up
stumbling upon a Corbin High School Class of 1955 reunion happening in the Moonbow
Room. After some time had passed, my family came looking for me and found me
happily chatting with the reunion attendees. Even back then, I was naturally drawn to
conversations with older generations—their stories and life experiences fascinated me
and gave me a glimpse into a world so different from my own.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself reconnecting with that same curiosity
through my internship with AARP Kentucky. From the beginning, this experience has
been all about learning from and working alongside people with a wealth of life
experience. It’s been eye-opening in ways I never expected.
One of the most memorable projects I’ve been part of was helping Tihisha, my
supervisor, organize AARP Kentucky’s annual Scam Jam this past June. We brought
together experts and even a scam survivor to educate nearly 250 community members
about fraud prevention—a topic that feels more relevant than ever. I also helped
coordinate over 20 volunteers for the event, which was a highlight for me. Their energy,
dedication, and willingness to jump in truly demonstrated the power of community
action.
In August, I had the chance to travel with our state team and the Volunteer
Executive Council to Fancy Farm, Kentucky, for the St. Jerome’s Picnic. It was a mix of
tradition, community, and meaningful conversations. This experience really emphasized
how committed AARP Kentucky is to being present where our members live and gather,
making a real impact on the ground.
A project I’ve been especially involved in is the First Fridays series—a monthly
virtual event focused on topics like heart health, caregiving, and Alzheimer’s support.
While I helped host these events, what made them truly special was the opportunity to
co-host alongside volunteers from the Louisville Community Team (LCT). These
sessions were a great way to engage with the community, and working side by side with
these experienced volunteers was both inspiring and humbling.
Beyond these experiences, the people I've worked with have made all the
difference. Tihisha has been a fantastic mentor, guiding me through the nuances of
advocacy and outreach. Troy, our State Director, has provided insights into how AARP’s
work aligns with broader policy goals. Scott, who leads our communications, has shown
me what it takes to effectively get our message out. I’ve also enjoyed working with
Rachel, Daniel, Eric, and Christine, whose teamwork and enthusiasm have made every
experience collaborative and fulfilling.
What I’ve appreciated most during my time here is the chance to learn from both
dedicated professionals and seasoned volunteers. The Louisville Community Team,
especially, has shared invaluable insights and perspectives that have deepened my
understanding of what it means to serve the community.
As I continue my internship, I’m excited to see what else I’ll learn and how I can
contribute further. For anyone reading this, I hope my reflections encourage you to
engage with the older generations around you. There’s so much value in listening to
their stories, learning from their experiences, and simply spending time together. Often,
the best insights come from those who’ve already navigated life’s ups and downs.
Shelby Disney is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2025. He is studying political science and economics.