GR Salon- Samantha Quero

1.      Back home I work at GR Salon and I have worked there for five years. I work every Saturday and all of the clientele Saturday mornings are older women. The salon gives a 30% discount to the older women who come every week for their appointments because my boss, Lidia knows the struggles they face and how much money affects their everyday lives. Many of these women have lost their husbands, live alone and look forward coming to the salon to socialize with other elderly women they can relate to. I came home over break and decided to spend the day, working and visiting the older women I have made close relationships with over the years.

2.      This reflected concepts learned in FCS because we always learn about poverty and how the elderly are so affected by it. My boss is doing something wonderful, giving discounts to the elderly women who come to the salon to get their hair done every week. Most of elderly customers have lost their husbands and my boss is improving their quality of life by providing them with good service and good company so that they have people to socialize with.

3.      I wouldn’t consider my volunteer day at the salon networking because I got the chance to talk with my coworkers and elderly women that I have known for years. I gained the chance to talk with these women about their lives and their daily struggles. Many of these women have serious health troubles on a daily basis. I gained wisdom and knowledge. Many of these women always tell me to have fun and be happy while I’m young because being old ‘isn’t fun’.

4.      As I said above, these women feel lonely and need a friend to talk to. They love seeing me at the salon because it gives them a chance to talk to me about school and my life. I also lend them an ear if they want to talk about their family and health struggles. I love having close relationships with these women because I always leave there realizing that I am lucky that I am so healthy.

5.      I am happy that I spent the day at the salon because I got to reminisce with old ladies that I use to spend every weekend talking to. I know it made there day when they saw me sitting at the front desk. It feels so rewarding when they give me a hug hello and goodbye. I am also happy that they feel comfortable opening up to me and talking to me about their struggles. They always tell me and my boss that they appreciate our service and the discount they get every week. The elderly face financial struggles and the fact that I can make a difference for them is so rewarding.