Each week, a group of around ten students from The Loomis Chaffee School visits Kimberly Hall, where they are greeted warmly by a dozen seniors. At first glance, the two generations seem to have little in common. Yet as we sit down together, art becomes a shared language: one that sparks conversation, storytelling, and connection. With each project, we build a bridge across decades of life experience.

I joined Project Unwired as a freshman, inspired by my close relationship with my grandmother. Some of my favorite memories with her were made through simple activities like removing bean sprout heads together on our dining table. I hoped to help create those same opportunities for others.

At the end of my sophomore year, I inherited leadership of the project from its graduating founders. Since then, I have worked to expand its reach both within and beyond Loomis. What began as a local initiative has grown into an international one, as I brought Project Unwired back to my home country of Korea and beyond, as well as launched an Instagram platform that shares intergenerational art activities and conversation guides. My hope is that young people around the world will be inspired to build meaningful relationships with the older adults in their own communities.

Some may view this work as small in scale. To me, however, its impact is immeasurable. Every time a resident tells me that our visit is the highlight of their week, or asks me to promise that we will return the following week, I am reminded that meaningful change often begins with something as simple as showing up, sitting down together, and building.