A Summer of Connection: My Journey at Richview Manor

ConnectUs Blog writer Lucia Kwag's Story

It all started with my first volunteer opportunity: Adopt-a-Senior.

As an international student navigating a new school environment, I was unsure where to begin building connections and contributing to my new community. When I saw an Edsby post about the Adopt-a-Senior program at Richview Manor (a senior residence in Vaughan, Ontario), I saw it as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and become involved.

Walking in for the first time, I expected to be the one offering help. However, contrary to my expectations, I found myself unsure how to begin conversations with residents and staff, quietly observing a community I had not yet entered. I realized that volunteering was not simply about showing up and earning volunteer hours - it was about learning how to listen, connect, and understand the people around me.

At first, even simple conversations felt challenging. I wondered what questions I should ask and whether I was truly making a difference. But as I spent more time with residents, I learned that meaningful connections are often built through small moments: sharing stories, listening to memories, and showing genuine interest in someone's life. I began to understand that seniors were not defined by their age or challenges they faced. They were individuals with unique and historical experiences, perspectives, and stories waiting to be heard.

But, building those relationships was not easy. Some residents were understandably hesitant to open up to a new student volunteer, often turning to experienced staff members who they already knew and trusted. Rather than feeling discouraged, I understood that trust takes time, especially when entering a community with its own routines and relationships that have already built.

Little by little, those small interactions began to change. A short conversation became a familiar greeting; a simple visit became a moment residents looked forward to. Seeing residents gradually open their hearts to me was one of the most rewarding moments of my experience. They began asking me to accompany them back to their rooms and take walks with them outside to the park. Knowing that someone who once saw me as a stranger eventually trusted me enough to share their stories and make requests reminded me that meaningful connections are built through consistency and genuine care.

These experiences inspired me to take a larger step beyond volunteering. Eager to create more opportunities for students to support the senior community, I founded Forget Me Not Knights, a student-led initiative focused on raising awareness and support for dementia care. Through fundraising events such as bake sales, I learned that community impact is not always created through large actions - it often begins with small ideas that bring people together.

Organizing these events made me learn how to communicate with different groups of people, coordinate with volunteers, and understand what motivates individuals to contribute. Whether someone purchased a baked good, donated, or simply learned more about dementia care, every interaction represented a small step toward building a more compassionate community.

2nd annual bake sale in Jun 2026

Over time, my role continued to evolve. What started as a single volunteer opportunity became a deeper commitment as I joined the Life Enrichment Team during the summer. Instead of being a student visiting the senior home occasionally, I became part of the community that helped create engaging experiences for residents. I currently help lead a variety of programs, including bingo games, interactive group games, arts and crafts activities such as beading and painting, and nail polishing.

Along these responsibilities, I am currently creating a commemorative video for Richview Manor's upcoming 15th anniversary celebration in September. Through collecting photos and interviewing the residents and staff members, I am learning the importance of preserving the moments and people that shape the place. This project has given me a new appreciation for how every resident, staff member, and volunteer contributes to the identity of a community and make me belong in it.

Looking back, I never expected my first volunteer experience to become such an important part of my journey. I initially joined Adopt-a-Senior hoping to gain experience and contribute to my new community, but I received far greater in return. Despite differences in age and background, people share the same desire to be heard, valued, and remembered. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes not from what we give, but from the relationships we build along the way.

My journey with the senior community is far from over. As I continue volunteering throughout the school year, I hope to keep learning from the residents who have already taught me so much and continue creating spaces where different generations can connect.

Lucia's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeda-lucia-kwag-8880073b4/