After the event was over, I spent a lot of time thinking about what went right and what could be improved upon. This was my first time working with the seniors there so there was no connection, but I hope as we move forward I will be able to connect with more of them. I like to think that my flyer idea partially worked, although that effect was very short lived. My ideas definitely need to be improved and refined to create the environment and engagement that I envisioned before starting this program.
Starting with what went well, the overall reception was more positive than I initially expected. A lot of people seemed genuinely happy to see someone younger volunteering in the space. That reaction showed up in small but noticeable ways, like people smiling when I introduced myself or nodding as I spoke. It was not loud encouragement or big reactions, but it was okay. I think me being there was already something different than what they would have expected on a Saturday morning.
Most people were also willing to support the effort by taking a flyer. Even if they did not read it immediately, it still meant a lot to me. Some people took a moment to look it over, while others asked quick questions or made brief comments about the health tips, especially since flu season was approaching. Those interactions definitely made the experience worthwhile.
There was also something encouraging about simply getting through the event. I introduced myself, explained the purpose of the flyer, and followed through with what I planned to do.
That said, there were clear areas where things did not go as well, and ignoring them would not be helpful. One of the more awkward moments came from the fact that some people thought I was trying to sell them something. That was never my intention, but it’s something I need to dig deeper into. Is it because they have been scammed before and are more afraid of this kind of stuff? Is it because I did a bad job explaining my intentions on stage? I can see how handing out paper to a group of people immediately triggers certain assumptions. That misunderstanding created a small barrier right from the start, and I could feel it in how a few people reacted.
Another disappointing aspect was how some people barely glanced at the flyer before tucking it away. Even though I told myself not to take it personally, it was hard not to feel a little let down. I had hoped the flyer would spark curiosity or conversation, but for many people, it became just another piece of paper. That response highlighted a gap between what I expected the engagement to look like and what actually happened.
My speech also fell short of what I had imagined. While it was not a complete failure, it was not as sharp or clear as it could have been. The nerves definitely played a role. I found myself rushing through certain points and not fully explaining the purpose behind the flyer or why I wanted to be involved. Looking back, a more confident and structured introduction might have helped prevent confusion and set a stronger tone for the event.
When I step back and look at everything together, it becomes clear that the flyer alone did not create the kind of engagement or lively atmosphere I was hoping for. It provided information, but it did not really bring people together or encourage interaction in a meaningful way. Moving forward, it feels clear that I need to think about new approaches. Ideas that involve more interaction, more conversation, and more shared experiences rather than passive consumption.
I don’t believe day 1, event 1, week 1, whatever, was a failure, but it definitely cannot be classified as a success either. Honestly, I think this experience is super beneficial, and I work harder to create better events from now on.