We last spoke with Chinta, a member of our Connected NYCHA program, about her experience with virtual learning in December 2020! After two years of being a part of Connected NYCHA, we wanted to hear how things have changed for her and what the future holds. See our update and the original interview below! You can learn more about Connected NYCHA here.

July 2022

How has your life changed for the better in the two years since joining the Connected NYCHA program?

From the classes and workshops, I have found a progressive outlook on what I can accomplish without fear of being left out, left behind or left alone in doing it.

I’ve reached another level in communications online and in fellowship with others.

Have you been able to accomplish anything with the help of Connected NYCHA that surprised you?

To my amazement, I’ve learned the first choice offered is not always the only option I have, concerning what’s best for me. I’ve reached another level in communications online and in fellowship with others. That’s so important.

What’s next for you?

Expressing what I’ve learned to the ones I know, that seems to be left out, left behind or left alone. And of course, more traveling!

Original text below:

December 2020:

What did receiving this tablet mean to you?

That meant that I could do more on my own. Like with Zoom – all the kids knew about Zoom but I didn’t know. When I saw the class I immediately wanted to take it so I could do a little more on my own without calling the kids, asking the kids, waiting for the kids. Because kids are kids. My son would say: “Ma, you should know this.” But now, I can function more on this device; I get more done.

What do you like about your new device?

I love that I can go places without leaving the house. I’m the kind of person who always travels. I would leave the house everyday and go someplace before. But the pandemic cut that off.

Now, with the google earth app, I have another open door for me to be able to go places like how I used to without being restricted.

What do you like about the Senior Planet offerings you have participated in?

I really like the classes because it taught me about being patient with myself and being patient with others. I’ve also learned that it’s not a bad thing to ask questions; the instructors don’t mind answering! That’s good for me because I have a problem asking for help. But this is teaching me how I can ask for help, get the help I need and not be pushed to the side.

They’re good at making you go forward. It makes you not want to be left behind; you want to keep up.

if you get stuck, just call the hotline and they’ll walk you through it. Think of it like a door – open it and explore.

Any words of advice?

I can say that it might seem a little intimidating at first because it is a new adventure for you. Senior Planet is an opportunity for you to get up to speed. And if you get stuck, just call the hotline and they’ll walk you through it. Think of it like a door – open it and explore.

It might be a stretch for some, but go ahead and stretch! Just don’t pop.

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she runs Senior Planet’s Supporter program in addition to being a contributing writer for this site. She can be reached at supporters@seniorplanet.org.