An analytical/reflective paper on their experiences as an "engaged citizen".

My Experiences as an Engaged Citizen

By Jill Zawacki

When I first enrolled in this course, I noticed the addendum on the registration: regular visits to senior center required. I was not sure what exactly that would entail, but I registered for the class anyway. My previous English class was centered about the city of Detroit and its history. Hearing that this English class, “Writing a Civic Life,” would be an extension of English 1050 was pleasing to me.

“Writing a Civic Life” was a course designed to integrate college level writing with civic duty and responsibility. Our main requirement was to volunteer at the Hannan House Senior Center, located in downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue. The Hannan House would be a mode through which we could become engaged citizens, while also continuing our learning about the city – this time through an active, hands-on experience.

In our time spent at Hannan House, we were able to meet a variety of people, many of whom were exactly what we were aspiring to become: active, engaged citizens. Seniors congregate at Hannan House, though they live across the metro Detroit area. Their connections run strong and deep with the city, as I’ve heard mentioned numerous times, “I’ve been in Detroit through good times and bad. They aren’t going to get me to leave until they have to carry me out.” Relationships as deep as these are what we hope to develop.

Seniors at Hannan come from a wide array of backgrounds, some having spent all of their lives in the city of Detroit, while others migrated to the area in the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Their ages also vary, from the early 60s, to Mrs. Velma Smith, who reached 90 years this March 24. Many of these Detroit residents have always been active in their respective communities, and find aging no reason to stop now. Mrs. Smith, particularly, has quite a list of involvements, including her membership in the Highland Park Mother’s Guild since 1945, her contributions to St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church by serving on many ruling boards, and now she continues to attend Hannan activities twice per week. Though advancement in age may introduce new constraints to their activity, these seniors always look for new opportunities to continue their community involvement. Hannan House is an outlet through which they can stay involved, providing specific activities that are designed and planned around the Senior Citizen age group.

Along the premise of “thinking globally, acting locally,” from Composing a Civic Life, many of these Hannan seniors are looking to expand their impact as they age. SeniorVoice, the radio program affiliated with Hannan House, is produced by seniors for seniors, featuring topics that are of interest to the group. Program topics have ranged from discussions of current problems – domestic violence – to reminiscing about “the Good Ol’ Days” – memories of Detroit’s past. Programs are broadcasted over Detroit Public Radio, with information reaching the whole Detroit viewing area.

As Wayne State students, we could not immediately barge into the Hannan House, armed with only our own ignorance. We first had to educate ourselves on Detroit’s past and what effects it had on Detroit residents. Our readings of Thomas Sugrue’s The Urban Crisis gave us background information about the cohort of the population with which we were to engage. Living in Detroit through the Civil Rights Movement and racially charged riots is something that very few students in our class could identify with, as the majority of us are mostly white, middle class, suburbanites. Reading Sugrue’s book, and listening to the accompanying presentations, gave us the necessary history of the time period so that we could understand the thinking of some of these seniors and the basis of their opinions on today’s issues. It was only after we had done this “initial research,” as it is termed in Composing a Civic Life, that we could approach the interactive situation with confidence and poise.

I began attending Hannan classes in February, at first just observing the seniors and classes and how they were structured. I was also quite nervous about how I would be received in the Hannan House environment, as I was a complete outsider to the situation. I was raised in Carleton, in Monroe County, on the very southern edge of the metro Detroit area. With a population of 2,500, Carleton’s demographics are exactly the opposite of Detroit. I had heard many stories Detroit in its hey-day, and even more stories about its fall from grace.

Before my first visit to Hannan House, I was forced to deal with many issues. Would I be received as an equal? Would I be viewed as an outsider? What could I possibly have in common with any of these longtime Detroit residents?  I was also nervous about offending someone of another race. Going into the Hannan House for the first time I was very apprehensive over the situation. After learning the routine with which the classes were conducted and seeing how the seniors interacted with each other, I was able to become more comfortable with the “community-learning environment,” as described in our course syllabus.

Through my observations, I noticed that the seniors communicated with each other very similarly to the way we college students do. There is the typical teasing and poking fun, but also sincere affection and gratitude for the friendships. A great deal of pride and respect also comes through in conversations between the seniors. Referring to each other as “Mister” or “Missus,” this generation is deeply rooted in its manners – a trait in which our generation is lacking.

My interactions with the seniors were open and friendly. Upon introduction by the art teacher, Mrs. Brown, I spent much individual time with Mrs. Velma Smith. We soon found that we had a shared interest in antiques, and had a few discussions over how to collect, clean, and sell these pieces of American history. I also met Ms. Henrietta Luckie through the art class and she became my oral history partner. Henrietta’s sharing of her opinions on issues such as black history and organized religion gave me new views on these topics. Her reasoning behind her opinions contained new perspectives that I had not considred.

This type of learning, outside of the typical classroom setting, was different from the method through which I, as a student, typically learn. I had been very involved in my home community, mostly through high school clubs and societies, but requiring myself to get involved in another community forced me to step “outside the box.” It was not an easy thing to do, but perhaps a necessary step on the road to higher education. I had to look at the situation not only as a requirement for a course, but also a benefit to my own education.

After some time at Hannan House, I have learned that my nervousness was perhaps unnecessary. Having always been taught polite, careful manners, and having always paid attention in school, I was not one to offend anyone as I had feared. Having overcome my fears, I was able to expand my views of Detroit, as a city and a community. No one can deny Detroit’s downfalls, but there are many good points in the city. Hannan House is a prime example of an organization through which members of the neighborhood can gather, nurturing the community relationship that runs throughout the city, though it is not always visible. Also, these seniors are prime research candidates. Bubbling over with firsthand historical information – peppered with personal opinions, of course, each person would love to share the knowledge they have gained to aid young people. Each generation that passes on takes with it something special that can never be reclaimed; we must capture as much of this spirit as we can.

I have gained much from my time spent at Hannan House and I would recommend the experience to other students. Though the course does require a large time commitment, and a great deal of work, it is a necessary supplement to any good college education. I have gained much knowledge from this experience as an engaged citizen. In order to feel happy within any community, you must have a connection to the area, to the people. This class has helped me form the beginnings of this connection, making me feel like a true Detroiter.  Back to Top

My expectations for English 2050 were fairly unspectacular upon registration. I assumed it would be another boring English class, and I was a little nervous because it is intended for freshmen and I am a sophomore. I read a little notice on the class schedule stating that students would be visiting a place called Hannan House, but didn’t think much of this. I assumed we would read stories to elderly people or something trivial like that. Nevertheless, I needed the credits to satisfy a general education requirement. On the first day of class, the professor announced that we would be conducting oral histories with seniors at Hannan House, and also had to spend a minimum of ten hours at the center. Again, I thought nothing of this, as I am a Journalism major and conduct interviews with strangers somewhat often.

We were given a schedule of classes held at Hannan House and told to pick one that fit in with our schedules and sounded interesting to us. The only offering that sounded somewhat appealing to me was called “Reader’s Theater Workshop,” and was a class about writing and performing radio dramas. I had been taking a class about writing for TV and radio, so this seemed like a reasonable choice.

I had no clue what to expect upon my first visit to Hannan House. I recall getting lost in the basement trying to find the correct room, and coming face to face with a group of exercising elderly people staring at me. This made me quite nervous, but eventually I made my way to the third floor where the class was to be held. I met Justin Vidovic, the class’s instructor, and his friendly and welcoming attitude made me feel instantly at home. He explained the class’ purpose and introduced me to the members. I met Clarence, Bob, and Delores on my first day. Unfortunately, Bob broke his arm that same day so it was the only time I ever met him.

I generally just observed the class during my first couple of visits, but soon got involved. I would read plays with the group, have brainstorming sessions for writing plays, and offer suggestions on things like sound effects and music. Justin played me a recording of a play they had performed a short while ago, and I was shocked to find that it was professionally acted and quite amusing in content. I was genuinely surprised to find that I actually enjoyed the class. The people were interesting, the plays were well written and performed, and the environment was very welcoming for learning experiences.

After I had attended about three or four sessions of the class, I knew I wanted to conduct my oral history on Clarence. He seemed like a very attractive individual to learn and write about, as he wrote many of the plays being performed, and even goes by a pen name when writing (Gabriell). I made initial contact and asked if he would be interested in working with me on an oral history, and to my disappointment, he was very reluctant.

We agreed to meet for breakfast the following week, and this was the best move I could have made. Our first meeting was purely an icebreaker. We became better acquainted with one another, as well as more comfortable. I enjoyed holding a general conversation about Clarence’s interests, ideas and life and was able to format better oral history questions as a result of this.

            We met for breakfast a couple more times, and followed each meal with a one-hour oral history interview session. I was intrigued by the stories he told and about growing up in Detroit. His life was nothing like I thought it would be, as he was never in extreme poverty or encountered any severe racial discrimination. I have held the bias that most African American Detroiters faced things like race riots and low income, but was relieved to hear of alternate life experiences. Overall, my time with Clarence was pleasant and enjoyable.

            All the while in class at Wayne State, the curriculum was composed primarily of reading about social issues that affect cities like Detroit, reading about Detroit’s history as it pertained to black people, and writing about the aforementioned topics. This, as I understand, was to help us prepare for what we might encounter in the stories of Hannan seniors, as well as to enhance our personal knowledge to improve our writing. We also read about civic engagement, as this was the predominate theme for the course.

            In encountering people at Hannan House, I have indeed learned about civic engagement and civic responsibility. While I lacked the advantage of attending politically motivated classes such as Senior Voice, I did witness civically engaged seniors. Reader’s Theater Workshop is dedicated primarily to performing and writing radio dramas, and whatever social issues may surface are either through the plays themselves or what people talk about before the class starts. However, the group is civically engaged as they discuss political issues, health issues, and social issues regarding seniors and the city of Detroit. Also, the group enlisted the students of a local middle school to assist in performing the play currently in production, thus giving students the opportunity to interact with Hannan House members and gain experience in performing and recording radio dramas.

            I’m not sure whether or not I became a genuine ‘engaged citizen’ during the span of English 2050, however, I did learn some valuable lessons regarding my preconceived notions and biases of senior citizens, minorities and Detroit residents. Prior to this class, the only real interaction with seniors I had was with my grandfather, a 74-year old white man from Windsor. It’s sad to say, but I’ve never had any conversations with elderly black or other minority people before, as Windsor, my native city, is composed primarily of Caucasians. However, after my experiences at Hannan House, I can safely say I’ve met some great people, both intelligent and interesting, most of them minorities.

            My visits to Hannan House were so enjoyable, I’ve more than doubled my required number of hours in order to continue attending the Reader’s Theater Workshop, and am still planning one more visit before the semester ends. I was lucky enough to be a part of the play currently in production by recording the introduction and conclusion. Also, instead of selling back my textbook for the TV and Radio class I’m taking and getting a measly ten dollars, I donated the textbook to the class in hopes it could be of some use by the group members.

            Hannan House was a highly beneficial part of English 2050, as it introduced students to civically engaged individuals, as well as offered a rich community-based learning environment. I was at first unimpressed with having to go to some local senior center, but in the end I’m thrilled that I did. If it fits into my schedule next semester, I’m going to continue going to Hannan House and further learning from the most vivacious and intelligent group of seniors I’ve ever met.

            During class sessions, many students stated that they resided in primarily white suburbs and had little interaction with minorities. Unfortunately, I was one of these students. There were also no black people in the class. As students who live in areas that prevent them from encountering a wide variety of people, it becomes essential to make these encounters possible via alternative routes. Thus, Hannan House served a dual purpose: introducing students to civically engaged seniors, and introducing students to inner city minorities.

            Wayne State University is rich in different races, cultures and ethnicities, but because it is a commuter school, few opportunities exist for students to meet and mingle with every facet of the student body. Also, the fact that students come from all over the metropolitan-Detroit area means that many are from upper class white suburbs. Bridging the gap between the inner city and suburbs requires knowledge and active interaction, and activities such as visiting Hannan House are definitely a step in the right direction.  Back to Top