Echoes of Experience: A Conversation with Elders
In the Words of Wisdom: An Elder’s Story of Simplicity, Struggle, and Strength
📘 Project Overview
This group project aimed to document the life story of an elder through respectful dialogue, active listening, and storytelling. The goal was to preserve valuable wisdom from one generation to the next.
👥 Group Members
- Ayesha Rahman – Interviewer & Editor
- Rifat Hasan – Note-taker & Summarizer
- Sadia Ahmed – Narrator & Proofreader
- Nafis Alvi – Question Developer & Designer
Submission Date: [Insert Date]
Class/Section: [Insert Class and Section]
Submitted to: [Teacher's Name]
🎯 Project Purpose
We wanted to honor the stories of an elder in our community, understand past struggles and strengths, and express those in a written and visual format.
🧓 Interviewee Profile
- Name: Mr. Abdul Karim
- Age: 78
- Relation: Grandfather of Ayesha Rahman
- Profession: Retired Teacher
- Interview Location: His home in Mymensingh
Q1: Describe your childhood period.
A: My childhood was lived in a rural village surrounded by greenery and simplicity. We didn’t have modern conveniences like electricity or running water, but our days were full of laughter, nature, and shared experiences. I used to climb trees, swim in the pond, and help my parents in the field. Life was slower, more meaningful, and full of lessons learned through living. Despite limited resources, we found happiness in little things—festivals, storytelling evenings, and outdoor games.
Q2: How was your education?
A: Education in my time was rare and respected. I went to a small school with mud walls and a thatched roof. We sat on mats, used slates instead of notebooks, and had just one textbook for several subjects. Our teachers were strict but deeply caring. They taught more than subjects—they instilled honesty, responsibility, and patriotism. I walked several kilometers barefoot just to attend school. Every lesson felt like a treasure, and I still remember the joy of reading my first full sentence in Bengali and later in English.
Q3: Share a great historical event from your youth.
A: The 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh was the most unforgettable time of my life. I was in my twenties. I witnessed families torn apart, brave young people joining the war, and an entire nation rising with courage. I helped in small ways—by carrying messages, providing shelter to fighters, and even teaching children in makeshift refugee schools. Though it was a time of pain and fear, it was also filled with the highest form of human courage and unity. The memories still bring tears to my eyes, but also pride.
Q4: What was your first job?
A: I began my career as a village schoolteacher right after independence. There were no proper classrooms—just open fields and a tin-roofed room. Yet, we had eager students who wanted to learn. I taught multiple subjects and even guided community adults in reading and writing. Over the years, I helped build the school brick by brick with donations and community support. Seeing my students grow into doctors, teachers, and honest citizens has been the most fulfilling part of my life.
Q5: What values should the young never forget?
A: I believe young people should hold on to five core values: honesty, humility, respect for elders, gratitude for what they have, and dedication to their work. In today’s fast world, patience is often lost—but it is one of the strongest virtues. Technology and progress are good, but never forget your roots, your traditions, and the struggles of those before you. Wisdom isn’t in knowing everything—it’s in listening, learning, and living with purpose.
💭 Group Reflections
- Ayesha: “His stories lit up my heart. I felt proud of our heritage.”
- Rifat: “Note-taking helped me realize the beauty of raw storytelling.”
- Sadia: “It was like hearing history through emotions, not dates.”
- Nafis: “Crafting questions made me understand what really matters.”
🛠 Skills We Learned
- Communication: Framing thoughtful, open-ended questions.
- Listening: Respecting pauses, tones, and expressions.
- Writing: Turning spoken words into engaging narrative.
- Teamwork: Dividing and balancing our roles smoothly.
📌 Conclusion
This wasn’t just a project—it was a connection across time. We heard a man’s journey, felt it, and now carry it. Every elder holds a story that deserves to be told.
📎 Supporting Materials (Optional)
- Photos (with permission)
- Audio clips from the interview
- Handwritten notes
- A hand-drawn thank-you card