Quick Start Guide
Congratulations on being selected as a student volunteer in Stories of Aging! Here are a few steps and resources to help you get started.
- Complete the student volunteer form if you haven't already done so, for our records.
- Review all of the orientation materials and resources listed on this page. Watch email for information on how to attend an introductory online meeting with your volunteer cohort.
- If you wish to have a practice interview, please contact our community manager, Alice Williams.
- Next, you will be paired with an older adult nominee from the local community. Please be as flexible with scheduling as possible.
- Meet with the older adult and record your interview using two audio recording devices provided.
- Capture 10 or more candid style photos during your time with the older adult, or arrange for photos to be taken by our web ops manager, Rox Grover.
- Return recording devices and submit all photos to web ops manager, Rox Grover.
- Review draft social media content and provide feedback as needed.
- Follow SCOA on Instagram. Like, share and comment on posts to encourage engagement!
- Celebrate your successful participation in Stores of Aging!
Orientation Information
Orientation Recording:
Slides:
- Download Orientation Slides: See welcome and overview by the Stories of Aging team
- Download Interviewing Tips Slides: Information from Dr. Pappadis about active listening, recording, and ethical considerations
Additional Resources
- Photography Tip Sheet: Lighting, composition and more
- Thankfulness Practice Questions: A selection of questions with a general theme of thankfulness that can be modified for different themes
Background Information
- Faces of Aging II: Listen to our founding director Dr. Goodwin introduce the second volume of the Faces of Aging photography series, with a presentation from photographer Marilyn Brodwick
- Humans of New York: Brandon Stanton keynote at Adobe MAX 2015
- Dear New York: Brandon’s 2025 exhibit
Contact Us
Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu
Stories of Aging Team
- Arati Bendapudi, Lead Student Volunteer
- Roxann Grover, MA, Web Ops Manager
- Alice Williams, MS, LBSW, Manager, Communications & Community Initiatives
- Advisors: Missy Morrow, PhD; Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD; Karen Schlag, PhD; and Erin Hommel, MD
