As I stare down (and welcome) Medicare in 2012, when I will finally qualify for ALL senior citizen discounts, I’m not certain if I call myself “retired” or “unemployed.” The jury is still out on that one. However, as I’ve watched the company where I worked for many years struggling (and most likely failing) to survive, I realize that one chapter in my life is ending and another is beginning.
I confess I spent about three months paralyzed and depressed. I watched too much TV, stopped exercising, and found myself in the kitchen much more often than necessary. A friend finally scolded me, “Anyone who is bored in New York City should get over feeling sorry for themselves, get out of the house, help other people, and sign up for stuff.”
OK, I got it. Thank you. As of November 1st, I’ve been taking two classes and volunteering at two organizations. I’m happy to report that I’m way behind on my DVR’d TV and I rarely visit the kitchen, except when REALLY hungry.
What caught my eye? I realize that the variety available in New York is stunning. Once I stopped stepping on my own toes, there is much more to do than I can hope to fit into my upcoming weeks and months.
I have always been interested in English as a Second Language. A quick Google search introduced me to two organizations with widely different student populations, each aiming to make fluency in English possible. Although I have no formal teaching experience, this felt like a good fit.
The Institute for Immigrant Concerns (West 43rd) teaches survival English. Many students are political refugees from abusive governments or victims of natural disasters. As a tutor, I have met people from Mauritania, Haiti, Honduras, Benin, and Guinea, in just a month. These people are desperate to put a foot on the bottom rung of life in America. Many are working two jobs and sleeping on relatives’ floors to be here. I admire their ambition and courage.
The International Center (West 23rd) serves a very different population. Business people and students sign up for English conversation lessons to help succeed in our world economy. I received training there and now have two “conversation partners.” A Japanese businessman, living in the US with his family, needs to be comfortable with English. A young South Korean student, wants to study engineering, and has been told that proficiency in English is required for graduate schools.
The difference between these two organizations has greatly expanded my understanding of the many levels of society which make up our city and our country.
Another priority for me is “lifelong learning.” I purposely chose two courses in areas where I have no experience. Through these, I’m making new friends with new interests.
At the JCC (76th and Amsterdam, courses are open to non-members also) I signed up for, From Bach to Sinatra. I’m learning the structural vocabulary of music, in a lively group with lectures and music samples. In the first class we heard Beethoven, John Phillips Sousa, Frank Sinatra, and Ravel!
At Fordham University’s College at Sixty (60th St. and Columbus) there were at least six classes which were appealing. I’ve taken several classes here and recommend the school highly. The students are all at least 50 years old, and very excited to be learning new things. I chose The American City and the History of Sport. We have discussed Boston Common in the 18th Century, Central Park in the 19th Century, Bicycling in the Victorian Era, Coney Island in the 1920’s, and Yankee Stadium, from it’s earliest beginnings. And the class is only half over. The politics of cities, both corrupt and well-intentioned, form the base of excellent insights.
So, I’m sliding gracefully into retirement, which was not without several months of bumps and false starts. Finding a way to help others, as well as helping myself seems to be key to my current contentment. I’d love to hear from other West Side Rag readers what THEY are doing in retirement. I’m already planning 2012 with great excitement and enthusiasm.
I go to Equinox every day! So glad I don’t have to work any more.
Thanks for adding that. I have now been in the same exercise class at the JCC for almost ten years. Never done that before. My favorite workout t-shirt says “Picked Last in Gym,” the story of my life until middle age. !
I’m jealous! My day job definitely gets in the way of my pro bono and other pursuits.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Your two volunteer positions sound very interesting–I just might try them myself. Great article.