03 June 2019
WOODSTOCK – New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) learners are making memories across all six Campuses this month as they prepare for graduation. At the Woodstock Campus, Practical Nurse students are also making memories for the community.
A class presentation about geriatrics led Acute Care nursing student Brandy Ruff to consider the effects of social isolation and limited financial resources have on the region’s senior population. From that presentation, and Ruff’s strong desire to show her appreciation to the generation that made the community what it is today, the Movie Memories Matinee was born.
On Saturday, June 15, Ruff and fellow Practical Nurse students will host seniors from the community’s nursing homes and care agencies for a free showing of Going My Way, starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald at the College. The curtain goes up at 2 p.m. and the general public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
“I just wanted to give back to them, to show our appreciation for all they’ve done,” said Ruff. “There’s no better story than from someone who has lived through real hardship. Whenever you hear, ‘Back in my day….’ you know you’re in for a good time, so pour a cup of tea!”
Ruff took part in an eight-week course on Elder Nursing during the course of her studies. Part of her course work involved finding out what resources are available to seniors in the community. What she discovered is that many seniors in the community are socially isolated and financially challenged.
“People have limited funds, and it’s very difficult for them,” she said. “In a lot of cases, their family has moved away. They rely on caretakers or neighbours to take them places, and they don’t like to ask.”
Ruff’s idea to host an event for the community was welcomed by Student Life Officer Taylor Howie.
“It’s a wonderful idea for a wonderful event,” said Howie. “Brandy absolutely put her time and effort into this and that’s what will make it a success. Our student union is very encouraging of student activities, and when you know people are putting their own time and energy into it, that makes it easy for us.”
For Ruff, who is getting ready to graduate later this month and has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2019, the Movie Memories Matinee will cap off what has been a rewarding College experience.
“NBCC is the way all communities should be,” she said. “I’ve experienced nothing but positive here, and I’m proud and honoured to be an NBCC student.”
