Meet the Preservers

Ms. Lake is someone I never expected to connect with on a deeper level. I'd heard her name around school, but we never had a real conversation until I became a Legacy Builder. Getting the opportunity to interview her changed that completely — hearing how she's navigated life's challenges and grown through them gave me a new perspective on her, and honestly, on myself. Her stories stayed with me. When she spoke about being a nature lover and how investing in her relationship with the earth has given back to her, it made me reflect on the effort I put into my own relationships — with family, with friends — and how that energy always finds its way back.

Ms. Lois is someone I'd always seen around the building but never had the chance to truly know until the Legacy Program. From the start, she came across as sweet, friendly, and warm, and while all of that is true, there is so much strength beneath the surface. Her ownership of her life and her choices has been incredibly inspiring. When she decides to make a change, she commits to it fully and sees it through.

I'm still working on finding my own voice and the courage to make a difference, so getting to hear her story has been more helpful than I expected. I hope we continue to grow and learn from each other.

When I first met Ms. Dale, I assumed she was quiet and shy. While she can be a woman of few words, she has a huge personality. Get her talking and she has plenty to say, enough stories to fill a book. Her smile is contagious and her joy fills the room. She's opinionated and never afraid to speak her mind, yet always respectful and never offensive. She cheers me up on bad days and brings me back down to earth on the energetic ones. After everything we've shared, it feels like I've known her for years.

When I first started Legacy Builders and Preservers, Ms. Dale was the first person that sat next to me. We didn't say much to each other unless instructed, but I always appreciated the small talk. Every Thursday we met up, and Ms. Dale became more comfortable with me. She’d talk about how her week was going, how much she looked forward to seeing her grandchildren, stories about her life, and so much more. It shows the level of trust that has grown over the course of these last few months.

Using the PROSPER standard of Perspective, I was able to strengthen my relationship with Ms. Madera in a meaningful way. Instead of only seeing her as a teacher, I began to view her through a wider lens as a person with her own life experiences, challenges, and stories. By actively listening and showing genuine interest in what she shared, I created space for a deeper connection between us. This shift in perspective made me more respectful, patient, and open-minded in our interactions. I wasn't just listening to respond; I was listening to truly understand. It showed me that building relationships requires effort and empathy, and that everyone has a story worth hearing.

Before the Legacy Builders, all I knew about my elder was that she was a Spanish teacher here at Bronx High School for the Visual Arts. This program has a way of building real connections between people who rarely interact, simply through sharing and listening to one another. Hearing Ms. Madera's stories has made me want to know her beyond the classroom. There's something about the way she speaks about her life and childhood that makes her easy to relate to, and even easier to picture. Every story she brings to the table leaves me wanting to hear more.

I went into the program nervous about the connections I'd have to build, unsure of how it would all unfold. It has been more than I ever imagined. I've known Ms. Absalom for years, but never like this. I always saw her as a woman of strength, someone who could command a room with ease. These Thursdays have deepened that picture. She is still that strong woman, but with so much light inside her. Getting to know her as a person, not just as a teacher, has been a gift. The connection we've built is something I'm truly proud of, and it all came down to perspective.

It took many important steps to build a close relationship with Ms. Lois in such a short amount of time, but that hard work paid off. Rather than waiting for her to open up on her own, I actively looked for ways to deepen our connection. My assistance for Ms. Lois shows up in the small but meaningful things, whether that's pulling up her favorite red chair, listening when she needs to talk, or simply being present. After each Thursday, I reflect and learn from each interaction, considering what went well, what didn't, and how I can continue to grow.

Together, these standards guide me to show up for my beautiful elder Ms. Lois with intention, respect, and a genuine commitment to growth.

I'll admit I was hesitant going into this experience, unsure if I'd be able to form real connections or draw out meaningful stories. But as the weeks have passed, that hesitation has faded. Hearing Ms. Lake speak about persevering through hardship and owning her identity more fully over the years has opened me up to new perspectives I wasn't expecting. Her words resonate with me deeply, and I find myself reflecting on her stories long after our conversations, even carrying some of her advice into my own life.

I knew Ms. Lake as a teaching professional before Legacy Builders, but our meetings gave me the chance to know her on a whole new level. She is genuinely authentic, stylish, loyal, and resilient — and she's not afraid to open up and share her story. Outside the classroom, she loves nature, tends her own garden, gazes at stars, goes dancing, and never steps out without her jewelry. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to deepen our connection beyond a typical classroom setting. I never imagined reconnecting with a past teacher this way, but Ms. Lake has truly broadened my perspective. Her sincerity and radiant energy make her influential almost effortlessly, and I hope she knows how much of an impact she continues to have on others.

When I first joined the Legacy Builders and Preservers program, I was nervous about which elder I'd be assigned and how everything would work. Now I look forward to our Thursday interviews. Hearing how she navigated life's challenges and grew through them reminds me that everyone carries a story worth telling. Her advice hits differently coming from someone who has already walked the journey. I know the wisdom she shares will stay with us as we take our own next steps.