For the second year in a row, Hazen students invited community members into conversation about "What defines a good life?".

It can be a showstopping question. And it can also open doors to a deeper conversation. 

In the intergenerational exercise, students in Jennifer Olson and Kelly Robinson’s Wayfinding class at Hazen Union connected with about fifteen community members and staff, asking questions like “Is money or life experience more important to you?”, “When in life have you taken a big risk and how did it turn out?”, and “Do you have any regrets? Something you regret not doing?”.

Reflecting on the experience, here are some comments from the students when asked after the event, “What stuck with you?”:

“No matter what your goals are, something is going to change.” ~Colby Mercier
“I met someone who was a writer. This was inspiring to me because I also want to be a writer.” ~Kaleigh Cyr
“Someone told me that it takes life experiences to make money. They go hand in hand.” ~Devon Rathburn
“I heard that when you are on your deathbed, you are not going to be thinking about the money that you made, you are going to be thinking about all the fun things that you did.” ~Talon Michaud
“A lot of people said that life experience is more important than money, but money is always behind you to help you get your life experiences.” ~Morgan Michaud

When asked about the overall experience, Aidan Draper responded, “Talking to people I knew, that I had a connection to, made me much more comfortable.”

We are grateful for the community and staff members who shared their afternoons, vulnerability, and wisdom with us. Sometimes the most profound lessons aren’t found in textbooks but in the simple act of listening to each other’s stories.