The week of March 4-8 was our Careers in Aging Week! The purpose was to bring awareness to the varying career opportunities involved with aging, and encouraged students to look into a minor in Gerontology.
One of the many activities we had this week was a small group chapel! On Thursday, we had the privilege of hosting Christy Shaw as a guest speaker. Christy shared with us that her journey started out with her being a design major and ended with quite a twist- she now works at Meals on Wheels right here in Abilene!! How does someone go from working in design to now working as a minister for older adults?! Christy shared that it was the profound sense of purpose and fulfillment that she felt when working with the elderly, that eventually led her to take the job as an Assistant Director for Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nourishing and enriching the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Their mission revolves around delivering nutritious meals directly to the doorsteps of those in need, ensuring that no one goes hungry or feels isolated. Beyond providing sustenance, Meals on Wheels volunteers offer companionship and wellness checks, fostering a sense of connection and support within the community. Christy’s job involves organizing multiple volunteers everyday to make sure that all routes get checked, calling family members of those that are in the program, organizing wellness checks if one is needed, and much more. There are multiple volunteer opportunities for Meal on Wheels here in Abilene, and we encourage everyone to check it out!
What makes Christy’s journey particularly inspiring is the unconventional path she took to get here. She defied the notion that one’s college major dictates their entire career trajectory. Whether you studied design, engineering, or literature, there’s a place for you in the realm of aging careers. The key lies in recognizing your passions, listening to your calling, and being open to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Thank you Christy for sharing your story with others!