Carol Vaage
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Carol Vaage first became a member of ELLA and attended Spring Session in 2013. While she was there, she decided to volunteer for the Board because she felt she was still young and had lots of energy. She served as President of ELLA from 2014 through 2016.
Carol believes ELLA is so successful because it offers rigorous academic courses on interesting topics that you can’t find in other community groups. “I think people who are curious and have a sense of wonder about the world come to participate in ELLA sessions. This curiosity can be triggered by anything. You could be reading a magazine or see a poster or something crosses your path and you think, ‘Gee, that’s really fascinating!’ ELLA members all know that your brain doesn’t shut off when you retire!”
Carol’s favourite class was her first art class with Suzanne Lamoureux which offered an introduction to drawing. Carol was somebody who thought she could never be an artist, but Suzanne taught Carol freedom and accessed her creativity, opening up a whole new world. Now Carol is an artist! She has sold her work and has taught watercolour classes at her seniors’ group as a result.
“I think the passion of volunteering with other people is the very best way you can be involved with ELLA. You find lifelong friends. ELLA is a community of learning experiences for older people because you build close relationships working together to reach a common goal.”
[ Interviewed by Deb Ridley ]