Learning With Purpose: One Resident’s Journey of Living Life Her Way
Throughout her life, Queen Ann has valued her knowledge as a way to help others. After attending school for coaching, Queen Ann’s successful career spanned decades, and her expertise impacted numerous lives among multiple generations. From at-risk youth to seniors, she remained steadfast in using what she learned to make a difference within her community.
It was only after she moved into Fremont Hills, a Watermark community in Fremont, California, that Queen Ann focused on inspiring someone else — herself. After overcoming multiple health setbacks, Queen Ann decided she needed a change, one in which she no longer had to worry about her safety or maintaining a home. She toured different senior living communities with a friend, but when she discovered Fremont Hills, Queen Ann felt at home in the community’s intimate setting and enjoyed attending engaging events. She found her place to belong — and the opportunity to try things she had never done before.
It’s been fun to realize that I can now take time just for me,” Queen Ann says. “And I didn’t realize that until I moved up here.”
Indeed, Queen Ann immersed herself in numerous Watermark University classes and built friendships with fellow residents over games of mahjong and Rummikub. But there was still one thing she wanted to accomplish.
“I always wanted to learn sign language,” she explains. “It was the perfect time in my age and life to do sign language as an activity. I’ve been so busy in my life, [so] I’m now doing things I just thought about doing before. And sign language was one of those things.”
Queen Ann seized her opportunity to study the language when she reconnected with Shirley, a member of her church who performs songs through sign language. When Shirley visited Fremont Hills and signed Christmas songs for residents, Queen Ann developed the basis for a new Watermark University class.
“It was Queen Ann’s idea,” says Community Life Director Jessica Ringlein-Doerr on the class entitled Signing With Shirley. “It was her brainchild, and she happened to know a wonderful sign language singer.”
With each class, Shirley guides residents in learning the art of sign language, especially singing through signing. The group is currently practicing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in honor of Juneteenth.
And with every session, Queen Ann is reminded that it’s never too late to try something new surrounded by new friends. After struggling to learn the alphabet, she is now fluent in signing her name along with conversational phrases.
“I don’t want to spend the time I have left doing what I’ve always done,” Queen Ann says. “I want to spend my time doing something new. And I think that’s important because it makes me feel good.”
Performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in honor of Juneteenth.
