by Carol Neuberger

When one thinks back to the pandemic, one often thinks of being locked in their home, isolated from friends and family, and having few people to see and talk to. Well, not so, for this senior. In fact, the two years of the pandemic was one of the most memorable times in my life, beating out college, ball room dancing, and even trips to the beach. How could this be so.

Transitioning to the Virtual World

For many seniors, the closed senior centers presented us with our very own world of doom. I remember the March 15 closure date as clear as day, as it became the new Ides of March!!!!! How could I continue learning Spanish and ukulele? What about all the friends at my Fifty Plus Senior Centers and my wonderful Pilates/Zumba classes??? How could I transition?????

From Doom to Zoom and New Social Connections

But, suddenly, my world of doom unexpectedly became my world of Zoom! Three of my favorite on-site classes transitioned from senior center rooms to my own living rooms. Once my teachers got the hang of sharing screens and whiteboards, my learning continued full force.

From an amazing ukulele teacher, whom we lost mid-Covid, to my Spanish teacher and barre teacher, my classes raged on, just taking on a different feel, form, and rhythm. Even my knitting and sewing groups started meeting via Zoom. This social anxiety girl had become more social during Covid than ever before.

Exploring the World of Computers

These classes, indeed, became my new social outlet, where I could gossip and laugh just as well via Zoom, as I could in person. As a ukulele learner, I was able to attend jams all over the US, and was gaining friends from Texas to Philadelphia. Meetup.com held many Spanish conversation groups, where I could speak Spanish with someone from D.C. to Japan. I was attending over three classes a day.

Out of all these opportunities, though, I was surprised how much I was learning about computers. I never understood that “cloud thing”, and good lord, what the heck was streaming? Whether it was through Getsetup.io, SeniorPlanet.org, or our very own Department of Aging’s cyber tech, on-line help desk, the world of computers was now becoming a common language in my house. I learned about RAM and ROM, iCloud and OneDrive, Mac and Windows, cyber safety and Password Managers, and even that scary, little thing called Zelle.

Best of all, though, I was learning about Linux. That third operating system, along side Mac iOS or Windows, that makes computers run, but few know about. Most importantly, Linux increases cyber safety, as less viruses occur in the Linux environment.

Unforgettable Teachers

From the many computer classes, several teachers stood out from the rest, because they were programmers before retirement. Their knowledge of computers extended way behind the pretty screens and endless apps–into the techy, programming side of the computer. These are the teachers that taught me about malware and operating systems, Linux, BIOS, and the dreaded Windows 11. Marge (D) at Getsetup.io is my new best friend, as she helps me navigate the world of buying new computers and avoiding viruses. Dave T is my Mac guru from Senior Planet, who can fix any Mac problem, because he knows every nuance of the Mac and Macbook.

The Yublosky team of Michael and Judy Yublosky, whom I lovingly call the Yubs, hold a weekly Windows class/Q&aA called WACI Mondays, which now has over 70 learners attending via SeniorPlanet.org. Mr. Yublosky recently branched off with a new Linux group to help us novices learn this operating system.

No Senior Left Behind

While these teachers know so much, they all have one thing in common. They are all nice, patient, and encourage all questions, no matter how simple. Their mission is quite simple, too. Leave no senior behind–technically, that is!!! They love helping us old folks, dragging us kicking and screaming into the world of twenty-first-century computers.

Embracing a New Challenge

Because of them, I have been able to buy three, brand-new computers, knowing what RAM and processor speeds to look for. I have converted two, old, slow-running Windows 8 laptops into Linux machines, which handle Zoom and OneDrive, with minimal lag. You would think I would be on Cloud 9, but I am not. I am currently struggling to get an even older Windows 7 laptop to boot from the thumb drive, so Linux can be installed.

That is my new challenge. But fear not. I have my wonderful teams of tech help to assist me along the way.

Carol Neuberger, has always been a life-long learner. Post-covid, she attended four maker spaces, learning Arduino and Raspberry Pi microcontrollers, basic electronics, and breadboard components. She enjoys all things creative, whether it is jewelry making, knitting, sewing her self-designed clothes, portrait drawing, crafting, sculpting, and recently, wood carving. Besides learning about computers, Ms. Neuberger enjoys watching her K dramas and playing with her kitty, Sweetie Pie. Her motto is, if I can’t eat it, I’ll make something out of it.