Pat Shields
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Pat Shields was involved with ELLA from day one, energized by the enthusiasm of so many seniors dedicated to learning. When the University announced the end of spring session classes in June 2001, Marilyn Chinnery called a meeting for anyone interested in adult learning. “100 people showed up – we couldn’t believe it! That there were so many people committed to this type of learning was amazing! It took off from there!
Everyone had a role to play. I set off to register our group but realized that we didn’t have a name for it yet. The woman taking our information suggested ‘ELLA’ for Edmonton Lifelong Learning. That was fantastic – perfect. So that’s what we became, which pleased everyone. For me, ELLA was the highlight of my adult life; that we put this thing together and it was so successful. We actually got classes underway, got a lot of people coming to classes and today it’s still a thriving organization. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
For Pat the highlight of ELLA was going to classes because “I’m a learner – a constant learner.
Another really important thing about ELLA is that it keeps you thinking and keeps you going.
Once you get to a certain age, you don’t stop thinking about things and making things better. Or stop learning.”
Pat also values the friendships she made through ELLA. These connections highlight the importance of social interactions in the life of seniors.
[ Interviewed by Fran Galbraith ]