International Students Spend the Day With Oak Meadows Residents

One hundred and seven Up With People students from 19 countries are sweeping the east metro to participate in a variety of service projects and performances in Oakdale and Woodbury this week.

Up With People, which was founded in 1965, is an international, educational non-profit organization with a focus on bringing the world together through service and music. 

Thirty-four students arrived at Oak Meadows Senior Living Center on Tuesday to paint benches and garden boxes, visit with residents and organize a fashion show.

The students who are interviewing the residents are inquiring about details of their lives such as where they grew up, what their childhood was like and what kind of family they had. 

Operations Manager, Jody Craig and German student, Alexandra Rolleke, spent the afternoon speaking with Janet Hoy. 

Hoy, who spent her life traveling the world and living in places like Paris, Japan and Korea, kept the women both busy and enthralled with her stories. 

“It’s so interesting to hear all the stories of these amazing people who have done so much with their lives,” Rolleke said.  “Sometimes it’s hard to imagine what life was like before I was born, but she is painting a really fascinating picture for me.” 

According to Craig, the books that are put together from their interviews will be given as a gift to the resident’s families.

Outside, Mexican student, Bogar Garcia, was helping his fellow students with the final touches on the garden boxes. 

Garcia, who has been traveling with the program since January, said working with Up With People has been the most rewarding experience of his life.

“I get to see the world and make a difference at the same time, it’s just amazing,” he said.  “It’s really great to see all these people from all around the world come together and work towards the same cause.”

Garcia also said he was amazed at how much he has learned, not only about the world, but about himself as well.

Abby Hull of St. Louis agreed.

“We are all learning so much about ourselves and each other, so much more than any of us could have ever imagined,” she said. 

The students are staying with host families in Woodbury for the duration of their visit.  Many students agreed that staying with a family is a large part of their experience in each city they visit. 

“Staying with host families gives us a real look at what life is like in the city we are visiting,” Swedish student Therese Carlbrand said.  “Everything about this program is so rewarding, it truly has changed me.”

The students also organized a fashion show for the residents.  Twenty students dressed in traditional attire to represent eleven different countries.

The residents sat along the runway as each and every student fascinated them with their wardrobe. 

On Thursday, the entire cast will be performing at The Loft Stage at East Ridge High School in Woodbury.  The show will feature original Up With People music and international music and dances.  Tickets are still available.