Building Generational Bridges

At the Institute for Health Science at Oaks Christian School, students are taking their education beyond the classroom walls — and just down the street. What began as a simple idea at the beginning of the school year — connecting students with senior citizens — has grown into something much more profound. Through a new partnership with The Ridge, the senior assisted living facility adjacent to the school, students are gaining real-world experience, building intergenerational friendships, and redefining their perceptions of aging and healthcare.

The initiative was spearheaded by juniors Ella Pfeiffer and Michael Ayoub-Safri, co-presidents of OCS’s chapter of HOSA—Future Health Professionals, a national student organization for aspiring healthcare workers. With guidance from Director of the Health Science Institute Dr. Bryan Wong, they were determined to find a way for students to engage in hands-on, service-oriented learning—even as high schoolers with limited access to traditional clinical settings.

Pfeiffer and Ayoub-Safri thought The Ridge might want to partner with Oaks Christian. They met with the director late last summer and set up a schedule for student visits starting this spring. The volunteer effort has blossomed into a successful partnership, with students connecting with residents through games, art, and conversation. But beyond the canvas painting and blackjack games lies something more meaningful: empathy, growth, and the bridging of generations.

A Student-Led Initiative with Faculty Support

Since March, the group has been going to The Ridge every other Thursday. They coordinate activities with Ridge staff a week before the start of each new month. Interest has grown so quickly that more students want to participate than there are spots available. Some aren’t even HOSA members — they just enjoy volunteering. While students earn service hours, it’s clear they genuinely want to be there.

According to Dr. Wong, who serves in an advisory role, the idea came directly from the students themselves.

“They came up with different ways they wanted to serve the community, and The Ridge—being literally right next door—was the perfect opportunity,” he said. “It’s a great example of mutual support between the school and a local organization.”

Dr. Wong sees his role as supportive, not directive.

“This is student-led. I’m just in the background making sure things are running smoothly, helping them fine-tune communications, and encouraging them to take leadership. That’s what they’ll need to do in their future careers.”

The students have taken that responsibility seriously. From designing flyers to recruiting classmates and proposing new ideas, they’ve taken on active leadership roles and taken a hands-on role in organizing activities.

Ridge Activity Director Jocelyn Aquino said she and her team were “over the top excited and happy” when students reached out. “Other clubs and schools had contacted us,” she said, “but the OCS students were the only ones who followed through.”

Aquino says the partnership has transformed the atmosphere at The Ridge.

“The room comes alive when the students visit. It’s the most active and joyful we’ve seen it. The residents ask, ‘When are they coming back?’ Some even schedule their appointments around the visits. The staff looks forward to it, too — we love planning and setting everything up for them.”

Personal and Professional Growth

Dr. Wong emphasized that this experience offers far more than service hours. It gives students a real-world setting to practice communication, compassion, and initiative— all important qualities for future healthcare professionals. While students aren’t providing caregiving assistance, they observe how caregivers interact with residents, assist with basic needs, and support seniors through meaningful conversations. They’re also developing emotional intelligence, particularly the ability to listen with patience and empathy.

“It’s definitely taught me patience and how to relate to people from a different time,” said Ayoub-Safri. “I’ve gotten better at starting conversations and making people feel seen. I didn’t expect the residents to be so funny and energetic. They’re competitive, they joke around, and they love spending time with us. The hour always flies by. Before this, I didn’t really know how to talk to older people. Now I’ve learned to meet them where they are — to be gentle, to listen first, and to ask thoughtful questions.”

Both Ayoub-Safri and Pfeiffer admit they were nervous on their first day. They worried things might go wrong — maybe no residents would show up. But the day went smoothly, and every visit since has only deepened their commitment.

“I used to think senior living facilities were sad,” Pfeiffer reflected. “But seeing how residents at The Ridge make new friendships, laugh together, and look forward to our visits—it’s changed my view completely. Aging doesn’t have to be lonely.

Many of the residents live with memory challenges, often repeating stories or asking the same questions. The students have learned that simply listening, laughing, and being present is powerful.

Pfeiffer shared: “Just showing up makes a difference. Some residents don’t get visitors very often, so sitting with them — even for a short time — means a lot.”

Deepened Interest in Health Field

Both students say the experience has deepened their interest in healthcare careers. Ayoub-Safri hopes to become a specialized doctor, possibly neurology or cardiology. Pfeiffer is considering anesthesiology. Though their career goals are based in health science, The Ridge has shown them that compassion is just as important.

“Health careers require strong social skills,” says Pfeiffer. “This partnership gives us the chance to grow in those areas while bridging the gap between generations.”

Beyond the professional takeaways, the students have found mentorship in the relationships they’re building. One resident encouraged Pfeiffer to follow her heart and not rush through life. Another told Ayoub-Safri: “Don’t give up. Keep going.” These conversations have become treasured moments.

Dr. Wong believes the interactions are equally valuable for the seniors. “In our culture, cross-generational interactions are rare. This setting allows those barriers to come down. It’s powerful for both sides.”

“Be confident and be ready to start a conversation,” Ayoub-Safri advised future students. “The residents might not always open up right away—but once they do, you’ll be amazed by what they share.”

Pfeiffer echoes the thought: “Don’t underestimate the wisdom of older people. They’ve lived through so much. If you listen, really listen, you’ll learn more than you ever expected.”

Aligning with the Mission of Health Science Education

Besides developing communication and leadership, The Ridge partnership reflects the broader mission of the Institute of Health Science, which emphasizes service as much as academics.

“We talk about developing the mind, the heart, and the hands,” said Dr. Wong. “The mind is what they learn about the body and disease. The heart is developing compassion. And the hands are the practical application—going out into the community and serving.”

What’s Next?

The partnership has already inspired ideas for future growth. Pfeiffer hopes to invite OCS student musicians and performers to entertain residents. The students also plan to increase the frequency of their visits the rest of this year and possibly involve other grades.

“We went in thinking we’d be helping them,” Pfeiffer said. “But they’ve helped us just as much.”