Tight hugs, fresh-baked cookies and holiday visits are often the first thoughts associated with grandparents. Though some may find it takes too much time from their daily lives, others value every moment spent with their elders.
Senior Jonathan Bingman’s grandparents live in Fresno and sometimes visit for dinner and fellowship.
“My grandma always makes my brother (Jared Bingman, ’08) and I cakes for our birthdays,” Bingman said. “It’s a tradition she does almost every year.”
Sophomore Riley Endicott often visits his grandparents, Ruth Ann and Steve Endicott in Bull Lake, Montana where he believes that he learns life lessons from his grandfather.
“My grandpa, Steve Endicott, taught me determination because he is a very hard worker,” Endicott said. “He never gives up and has taught me a lot about life as well. While he retired full-time church work, he still continues to volunteer and be active. I also love it when he takes me fishing.”
Junior Natalie McCallum’s grandfather, Bob Marcus, died in July of 2007 and regrets missing opportunities to show her appreciation.
“My grandparents took care of me 90% of the time as a child,” McCallum said. “He taught me how to be lighthearted, carefree and focus on other people. I only regret not being able to express how much he truly meant to me.”
McCallum spent four days a week with Bob and Lena and believes her grandparents are another set of parents, who do not do not discipline her.
“When someone is your grandparent or at least in my family they are also able to be the exciting, kind, type of parent,” McCallum said. “I cannot imagine moment without them.”
“I wanted them to be a part of every achievement because it made it even more special,” McCallum said. “It?s cool to know that they would do anything for me and that they love me and want to be a part of my life. I wanted to spend time with them on the weekends and I wanted to share time with them.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that 31% of adults are grandparents and 8% provide child care. According to the 2000 US Census, 6.3% or 14.5 million children live in grandparent-headed households.
“I was raised by my grandmother, Carmen Lopez, from kindergarten to my sixth grade year,” Nacoya Villega, ’10, said. “She was like a mom to me and taught me my basic faith and morals.”
The time spent with her grandmother taught Villega how to turn to God in times of need and love others.
“My grandma would never turn away a person in need,” Villegas said. “My grandma would always take me on long walks and if we saw a homeless person on the street she would always tell me that they were just a regular person in need.”
For those who elders do not live nearby, an older, adult friend can take the place of a grandparent. Junior Janae Ford’s grandparents live in Arizona and Visalia. While their presence is missed, Ford has a close mentor in track coach Dorina Gilmore.
“Because my grandparents live far away, I have to find my support and encouragement other places,” Ford said, “Dorina is a very close friend whom I can share my problems with and ask advice from.”
Scott Falk, campus pastor, believes that grandparents greatly influence students, not only as extra paternal support, but as loving beneficent figures.
“Grandparents have a huge impact on students’ lives,” Falk said. “They can be encouraging and supportive role models and in some situations they have a better relationship with students than the parents.”
