Rebecca Roese is the most recent trainer to join the Colorado team! Before becoming a Senior Planet trainer earlier this quarter, Rebecca worked with universities to convert in person programs to virtual offerings.  

What are some of your favorite parts of the job? 

My favorite part so far has been watching people come in at the beginning with a lot of negative self-talk. And then being able to switch that and have them come in even a few weeks later and tell us what they have been able to accomplish outside of class! 

Have you been able to attend the monthly Colorado Senior Planet Social Club?
Yes! It was so awesome to see everyone mingle and network and tell stories about the classes they are taking. It’s a great opportunity for community-building and for networking. It’s easy to forget if you’re not actively employed or running a business that it’s still important to network and make new connections. It is kind of a rare space, for seniors to be able to do that and have it be a protected space 

Live in Denver?  Join the Senior Planet Social Club the last Thursday of every month at 4:30pm MT at the Center in Lowry! 

Any favorite pieces of advice you like to give class participants?
I remind myself and participants to read all the words. We all have a tendency to skim. Also to practice outside of class to get that confidence  – for whatever skill is important to you! Like some people don’t find bookmarks to be helpful. That’s fine! You can pick and choose what you want to incorporate into your life. 

What are your hobbies/passions outside of work? 

Generally keeping the household running keeps me busy! I have three daughters who all still live with me plus a dog and a cat. I like doing crossword puzzles and gardening especially to relax. I put a garden my front yard this summer and we had fruits and veggies grow like wild! We had pumpkins, melons, asparagus – it was amazing. And it attracted a lot of dragonflies which was pretty magical. 

What does aging with attitude mean to you? 

I love that motto. Because I just think it’s really really important as people get older, they don’t lose that desire to go out and continue to build skills and knowledge.  It’s that autonomy, to keep yourself moving forward, staying active, continuing to evolve, and expanding your community. 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.