By Kevin Kim
Last Sunday, Lambda Phi Epsilon volunteered at the Seattle Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center of Nikkei Concerns. Two vastly distant generations spent the visit by exercising in physical activities and sharing stories of the evolving Asian American identity*. In the Japanese language, Keiro means “respect for the elderly.”
No elderly person should be like an “exile” in our families. The elderly are a treasure for our society.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 11, 2014
Philanthropy Chair Kenton Nakamura evinced the value for youth to embrace their cultural history. “As a third generation Japanese American, I felt out of touch with my Japanese heritage. Neither my parents nor my grandparents spoke fluent Japanese, and I only experienced Asian culture through food and funerals. Being able to speak to Japanese Americans who lived through World War II really reminded me of how little I know of my family history.”
Volunteering at the Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center (@NC_Community) this weekend was a meaningful community service event with #LPhiE!
— Dexter Liu (@dexterliu144) March 11, 2014
Thanks for having us volunteer for the elderly, @NC_Community. The gift of giving is the greatest gift of all. #LPhiE pic.twitter.com/7s1QOMAN5C
— Kenton Naka (@ken10naka) March 11, 2014
Allured by the ethnic diversity of volunteers, the nursing home residents communicated to each Lambda Phi Epsilon brother through his native tongue in languages such as Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Through these connected interactions, brothers found common ground with their elders and learned about the unique struggles residents faced over the turn of the century. Upon the close of the visit, Nikkei Volunteer Coordinator Megumi Sherrill commented, “Your group made our residents so happy. Thank you for making every day the best day for residents.”
Really enjoyed volunteering for Nikkei Concerns at Keiro, Seattle. Cant wait to return! @uwlambdas #lphie #service #oldpeoplerule
— Kevin Kim (@kimkevin1995) March 11, 2014
I never exercised at a nursing home before. Glad I did it with @uwlambdas to give back to the community. pic.twitter.com/jBw0MV7oEi
— Qi Zhou (@QiZhou2) March 11, 2014
* Due to patient confidentially, photos or names of nursing home residents will not be shared.