Key Takeaways
- A senior at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Harris Dunham, is volunteering at a senior living facility to teach residents about technology and online scam prevention.
- Dunham’s motivation stems from his grandparents’ experience of falling victim to an online scam, which led to significant financial loss.
- The weekly sessions cover various topics, including camera operation, password security, internet searches, and scam prevention.
- Dunham’s efforts have been well-received by the senior citizens, who are eager to learn and appreciate his patience and willingness to help.
- The initiative highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the need for younger generations to support and educate older adults in using technology safely and effectively.
Introduction to Harris Dunham’s Initiative
Harris Dunham, a senior at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, has taken the initiative to address a pressing need in his community. By volunteering at a senior living facility, Dunham is helping residents learn how to use technology and protect themselves from online scams. This endeavor is particularly significant, given the increasing number of older adults who are vulnerable to online scams and cyber threats. Dunham’s story serves as a shining example of how young people can make a positive impact in their communities by sharing their skills and knowledge with others.
Personal Motivation and Experience
Dunham’s motivation for starting this initiative stems from a personal experience. A few years ago, his grandparents received a call from a scammer claiming to be from Amazon, which resulted in significant financial loss. This incident could have been prevented if someone had been there to guide them on how to identify and avoid such scams. Dunham realized that he could have helped his grandparents and decided to take action to prevent similar situations from happening to other seniors. By volunteering at the senior living facility, Dunham is able to empower older adults with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely.
Volunteering and Teaching
Dunham spends his time after school volunteering at the senior living facility, where he teaches residents about various technology-related topics. His sessions cover a range of subjects, including camera operation, password security, internet searches, and scam prevention. Dunham’s approach is patient and supportive, and he takes the time to understand the individual needs of each resident. For example, he works with residents like Peg Skrenes, who appreciates his willingness to help and his ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. Dunham’s efforts have been well-received by the senior citizens, who are eager to learn and appreciate his dedication to helping them.
Impact and Appreciation
The impact of Dunham’s initiative is evident in the positive responses from the senior citizens he has helped. Skrenes, one of the residents, expressed her gratitude for Dunham’s assistance, stating that he is "great about" helping her with her technology-related challenges. Dunham’s patience and willingness to help have made a significant difference in the lives of the senior citizens, who feel more confident and empowered in their ability to use technology. The initiative also highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the need for younger generations to support and educate older adults in using technology safely and effectively.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Dunham’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community service and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. By volunteering his time and sharing his knowledge, Dunham is making a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens and helping to create a safer and more connected community. As technology continues to evolve and play an increasingly important role in our lives, initiatives like Dunham’s will become even more crucial in empowering older adults to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. By supporting and promoting such initiatives, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society that values the contributions and well-being of all its members, regardless of age or background.
