Aleesha Targett’s Digital Mentoring experience in Her Own Words
Being a part of the COTA Digital Mentor program has been an inspiring and heartfelt experience, where every moment spent helping residents embrace technology has created genuine connections, shared laughter, and a sense of purpose and passion that continues to stay with me even after the program has come to an end.
I’ve never been in such an environment where I felt so acknowledged for my genuine involvement and care for people straight away. When I entered Bishop Davies Care, I felt and could see the pride these workers had for this younger generation going out of their way to volunteer their time; Teaching what feels like common technology skills. But unlike us, to the residents it’s not just common skills; it’s a feeling of disconnection and a large barrier splitting them from the current world.
A Moment That Stayed With Me
One particular moment that stuck with me in this program was my initial thoughts. I remember hoping I got a female resident so if I didn’t have a conversation starter, we could just talk smack about the other residents.
I watched as my classmates rushed to all the elder women in the room, but I didn’t. I took the chance and sat myself at a table with the two nicest men Brendan and Lloyd, although it wasn’t what I was planning for, it was the best decision I have made.
Making that choice to sit with those two incredible men and getting to really know them taught me that being outside of your comfort zone and choosing not to be like everyone else is the best change you can make for yourself and the community.
Getting to Know Brendan
Getting to really know my participant Brendan through the digital mentor program. Changed both of us for the better. I learnt Brendan has been in Bishop Davies since his stroke in February since that point he has had rarely any visits from family or friends and had never been involved in activities until this program. When I chose to sit with him, his face lit up immediately, and our connection instantly hit it off. Every session we did a task and had question cards on our desk; we would always whiz through the task and just begin asking questions back and forth. For Brendan, it wasn’t about learning technology; it was just about the company and the comfort of talking to another person who truly cared for him.
The Impact on Both of Us
I learnt so much about his life and he learnt just as much about mine. He was getting himself up before every session excited to see me and even avoiding physio just so he would get that 10mins more with me each week. It changed his wellbeing and gave him a purpose as well as something to look forward to every week.
As of now I still visit Brendan, he is always shocked when I appear at his door waving with a massive smile on my face. He won’t like me admitting this, but his smile is always just as big if not bigger.
Finding My Path in Care
Without knowing Brendan, I wouldn’t have wanted a job in care and from the inclusion I have had in COTA and the panel it has made me feel as if I’m still important and included in the program.
I will be volunteering and eventually going for a job because of the effects I have had on Brendan in such a small time. It gave him something special and made him feel loved as I believe everyone should feel.
So overall, this amazing program was not just about the technology, but the connections between generations and the immediate changes you could see in residents, workers, and the community’s wellbeing.
A Program That Changed My Life
I am so proud to have been a part of this program and hope to be involved in COTAs future because without this experience of the digital mentor program I wouldn’t have changed this very incredible man’s life, as well as mine. I have grown and learnt so many skills that will benefit me in my life and that will continue to push me to move outside of my comfort zone, for the better of me and others. So, for that privilege, I am grateful and honored.
Aleesha Targett
Student – Kingston High School/ Digital Mentor
Generations Connect – Tech Together Program
