Below is a student blog post as part of the course Memory, Aging & Expressive Arts. Enjoy!  ~ Anne Mondro

Hi. My name is Sandy. I’m a master’s student in the School of Social Work. I am in the last few weeks of my program, and I am excited to finish the coursework and dive into the practice of social work. I hope to continue working with older adults, individuals with memory loss, and family care partners. Memory, Aging & Expressive Arts has been the highlight of the program, and I will be sad when the course is over. The best part of the class has been the incredible experience of being welcomed into the Coffeehouse community, and getting to know the members. I have had the opportunity to talk with many of the members, and experience art – either through observation or actual participation – with them as well. I do not bring an art background to this experience so the activities that are planned to engage the club members and the students have been a learning experience for me as well. Sharing activities like drumming, painting and dancing are a wonderful way to break down barriers and bring people together, which is just what has happened over the past few weeks.