Spotlight: The Saunders Family

Learning Life is pleased to present this latest spotlight on families involved in our Citizen Diplomacy Initiative (CDI).  The Saunders Family, featured in the adjoining photograph, recently joined CDI, and have been participating in our fundays, which start with a food tasting to encourage learning and adventurousness with world foods, then follow with a series of world learning and physical fitness challenges.  Below, each participating Family member — the grandmother, Carol, granddaughter, Aubrey, and grandson, Deon — tell us more about themselves and what they like about Learning Life. 

Saunders FamilyCarol Saunders

Where were you born and raised?  

I was born and raised in Washington DC.  I have lived in DC all of my life, except for one year in Columbus, Georgia in 2012.    

What’s your current and/or past line of work?  

I am currently disabled, but volunteer a lot.  I previously worked as a nursing assistant, medical assistant, and in retail sales for Goodwill Thrift Store.

Is there a life experience you have had that has particularly shaped you thus far?  If so, what is it, and how has it shaped you?

The day I was able to help someone.  It had to be about 2004.  I was home and disabled.  I had to figure out a way to keep myself busy, not go into depression, and help other people.  So, I decided to give back by volunteering.  I started with my grandkids, helping with food, security, counseling at their school for after-school events.  Then I started helping seniors.  Four years ago I started volunteering at Arbor View Community Center, helping seniors to find and get things, like housing, food, transportation, counseling, medical care, etc.  The volunteering helped me come out of depression and feel better about myself as I helped others feel better.

What do you like most about Learning Life?  

I like the exposure that Learning Life gives kids to different cultures and countries.  I like the volunteers that Learning Life has.  They’re good people.

What’s one experience you’ve had with Learning Life that has been particularly meaningful to you?  

Sitting down with a volunteer to learn about other countries.  It helped me to help my grandkids.  Sitting there together learning along with my grandkids was a plus.      

Aubrey Saunders

Where were you born, and how old are you now?  

I was born in Washington DC in 2011. I am seven years old.  

What grade are you in, and what’s your favorite class in school?    

I am in first grade. My favorite classes are reading and art.

What do you like to do in your free time?  

I like to play with Slime, and I really love to do arts, like painting and drawing.       

What would you like to be when you grow up?  

I want to be a teacher for little kids.

Funday "move your mind" world learning sessionWhat do you like most about Learning Life?  

I like the [funday world food] tastings, the computer work learning about the world, and the [fitness challenge] exercises.      

Deon Saunders

Where were you born, and how old are you now?  

I was born in 2010 in Washington DC. I am eight years old.  

What grade are you in, and what’s your favorite class in school?  

I am in third grade. My favorite class is gym.

What do you like to do in your free time?   

I like to play dodgeball, basketball and football.  

What would you like to be when you grow up?   

[Smiles.] That’s hard…I would like to be a dirt bike rider or a banker.  

What do you like most about Learning Life?    

I like the [funday fitness challenge] exercising, and the [world tasting] foods we eat, like mangoes and peanuts.