In the Mind of an Elder
by Asia Calcagno
"Grandma, I wonder about how your life has made an impact on how you view the world. What made you who you are?" I itch to ask her these questions, but something has held me back for years. You should not pass up an opportunity to sit over some coffee with your granny and talk about the olden days. You just may find it intriguing to discover how she met your grandfather, or how inventions like the Frisbee were just as cool as your handy-dandy iPod. I finally gained the strength to ask my granny to turn off the gospel station on the way home from church to ask my grandmother, Mae Boyd, a few questions.
What does being an activist mean to you?
"Being an activist means being out in the world fighting for your rights. When I think of activist, I think of the '60s. I've never been out in the '60s striking and all that though."
What should we be activists on?
"Today, you should be activists on whatever you believe. There is no right or wrong, no matter, if your beliefs are positive."
Where do you believe the woman’s place should be?
"The woman's place should be, most importantly, taking care of their snotty nosed children. (laughing) Women, if they have them, their place should be in raising their children right."
What were the most important issues in your day?
"Important issues were education. Parents were well focused on making sure that their children went to school and had a bright future."
What do you know now that you wish that you knew then?
"Not much. (laughing) I do wish that I knew the importance of saving money. Saving money is not as easy as it seems, mainly because money has become such an importance in this day and age. And also, to 'keep up with the Joneses'. Meaning, to keep up with your 'so-called friends'. Not everyone is your friend."
What was life like as a teen?
"At your age, I had no challenges. I had it easy. Everyone got along with everyone. I was a little sister, a big sister, a daughter, my family took good care of me. I had nothing to worry about."
What should young women be focused on?
"Young women should be focused on getting their lives together now so that they will be prepared for their future. They should be focused on keeping their head high and never let someone get their hopes down."