Although Ron Willis has met many people in his travels throughout the United States, he recalls a number of individuals from his childhood who taught him early on about being a person with integrity and compassion.
One of those people included his grandfather, a wise man and retired railroad engineer who completed school through the 8th grade.
“He always taught me that in the business of helping other people, what we had living in our hearts was more important than diplomas hanging on a wall,” said Willis, who still believes this despite the fact that he holds an education specialist degree from Fort Hays State University and has served as a mental health consultant throughout his adult life.
Others on that list include a kindergarten teacher and a high school track coach who taught him to save a little back for the finish line.
“I was an awful miler,” Willis recalled. “I usually came in toward the last of every race. But, my coach said, ‘No one will remember years later where you finished in a race, but they will remember how you finished.'”
“Finish well!” is the theme for an aging conference next month open to seniors, their families and their caregivers. K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the regional event, titled “Full Circle…an Aging Expo.” It will take place Friday, April 24 at the Colby Community College Student Union in Colby, and Willis is one of the featured speakers.
“I’m a storyteller,” Willis said, “so I believe that we hold people’s attention better when we use stories– personal examples and the like– to make our points. My grandfather, who was a real storyteller, always told me that I should have a point for their heads and a picture for their hearts, so listeners are apt to walk away knowing at least one thing to focus on to make a difference.”
While presenting at the Full Circle expo, Willis plans to engage all participants in some way. For those who care for seniors, he plans to talk about how to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue, which he said are two major struggles for caretakers. Some of the ways to protect against these struggles include knowing our triggers that allow us to stay encouraged, and understanding the importance of maintaining our integrity and finishing well.
“Most people will say in listening to me that they maybe didn’t learn anything new, but they were reminded of things they had learned along the way and may have forgotten,” Willis said.
In addition to Willis, a variety of other speakers will present information as part of the aging conference. Charmane Kandt of the Neuromuscular Wellness Center at Fort Hays State University will focus on exercising and being active to achieve optimum health. Other session topics will cover death and grieving, knowing your health history, financial matters for seniors, charitable estate planning, memory and making reading more fun.
Registration is $30 per person or $50 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is April 17. Registration at the door is $35 per person and will take place until 9:15 a.m. the day of the event. However, lunch cannot be guaranteed for registration at the door. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. You can find the conference registration brochure on the Ellis County Extension website at www.ellis.ksu.edu.
An added feature of the Full Circle Aging Expo is an educational track for professionals who can earn up to 6 CEU’s for participation. The theme is “Person-Centered Care.” Cost for the full-day professional training is $85, register by April 17. More information about the professional track of the conference is available at 785-462-6281 or online at www.northwest.ksu.edu/fullcircle.
Mark your calendar now and plan to attend the Full Circle Aging Expo. To register or for questions, contact the K-State Research and Extension Northwest Area Office (http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/p.aspx) for registration and program information at 785-462-6281.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.