Staff and members of the Mary Williams Community Senior Center emailed their UVA Volunteers when they heard they weren't coming back this semester. They told them they would miss them with a drawing of BETA Bridge. And they wrote back!

Hi there!

I’m writing to let you know that I am sending hugs your way. I’m so sad that I won’t be able to see you all for the rest of the semester, but I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent with you over the last few years. My memories of all the crafts, trivia, and bingo games both at the new MWCC location and the old one are happy ones. And, the picture of Beta Bridge you made for us was so meaningful; it really lifted my spirits, thank you!

Despite all the recent changes, I did have a wonderful spring break a few weeks ago. I traveled to Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. I was amazed at the beauty of both cities and all the good food they had to offer. Both cities had such striking old houses and I ate some of the BEST biscuits!

I also wanted to let you know about some good news: I accepted a job for after graduation. I will be working as a nurse at Georgetown University Hospital. I am trying to be optimistic about the future and remember all the blessings I have despite the challenging times we are all facing. I wish you peace and health over the next few weeks and I cannot thank you enough for everything you have taught me! Although I am graduating this semester, I hope to see you all again soon!

Love,

Michelle

Hi everyone!

The coloring you guys made is absolutely beautiful! My heart goes out to all of you that you’re safe and healthy. I miss being able to visit you all every week and definitely thinking of you all. I’ve had a wonderful time talking to you all this semester and getting to know you better still. Over break, I haven’t been up to much at home. However, online classes start recently for the university and I’m hoping those will go well as the semester goes on. I’m currently at home in Hampton, VA where I grew up. I hope you’re all happy and safe wherever you are and maybe picking up some fun new hobbies during this time.

See you all soon!

Sandy

Hello there!
Hope you are happy, healthy, and safe! We miss visiting you all each week—it’s starting to get super boring all cooped up at home! We look forward to seeing you all in the fall hopefully!

Take care,
Sierra

Hi MWCC Friends!

I hope you’re doing well and staying healthy! It was such a shock for school to end all of a sudden and to not be able to say goodbye to any of you at the Center. These are crazy times! I’ve been using the time in quarantine to take walks in nature, finally get to read some good books, and catch up with friends over the phone. I’m doing my best to look on the bright side and see the positives of the situation!

Looking back at my time at UVA, I’m so thankful to have so many fond memories at Mary Williams. When I started volunteering at the Center in my first year at school, I was so happy to find such a kind and welcoming group of people. Now I’m in my last year at UVA, and I can truly say that visiting MWCC has been a bright spot of my weeks over the past four years. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of you and I appreciate you letting us volunteers play such a big part in your community. The warmth and joy I’ve experienced while playing games, doing crafts, and just getting to know each one of you has kept me eager to return to Mary Williams each school year. I’m really sad that this time was cut short, but I’ll be around Charlottesville and I hope that when this all clears, I’ll be able to come back and visit.

I’m sending love and prayers that all of you stay safe, positive, and continue to find joy in each day!

All the best,

Emily Shawkey