5 Things I learned from a PAC Workshop

I recently had the opportunity to attend the very first workshop of a PAC Trainer who was an attendee of the Trainer Certification course in Antigonish, Nova Scotia earlier this summer. I was thrilled that she invited me to attend. It was an honor to be part of someone else’s PAC journey and to witness her desire to make a difference for persons with dementia and their care partners.

Here are five things I learned that day:

1. It is fun to be a learner in a PAC workshop! It was the first time I had attended a Normal/Not Normal Aging Workshop as a learner. Even though I knew what was coming, I tried to place myself in the shoes of someone who wasn’t as familiar with the workshop. It was fun to be with other learners and to discuss our take-aways. It is always insightful to feel the ‘Uh-ohs’ turn into ‘Ahas’ even if it’s not for the very first time!

2. It’s fun to be a PAC Trainer! This new Trainer, despite being a little nervous, was clearly enjoying herself. It has been a few months since I conducted a workshop and watching her reminded me of how rewarding it is to provide this much-needed awareness and knowledge to people within our communities. I can’t wait for my next workshop in September!

3. You can always learn from someone else. This Trainer did an excellent job! I wouldn’t even say it was an excellent job for her first time – it was excellent, period. She clearly spent a lot of time planning and preparing, and I took away a few tips from her that I will use in my next workshop. Everyone brings something to the table, regardless of how much experience they have. It’s dangerous to fall into any kind of belief that “I’ve been doing this longer than you and therefore know more than you.”

4. Say thank you. This Trainer was so appreciative of everyone attending the workshop and helping her so she could complete her certification. She thanked us several times and I left that day, knowing I had given of my time in a way that made a tremendous difference to someone else. It felt really good to help someone. Don’t forget to thank people for attending your workshops.

5. Details make a difference. She really paid attention to the little things and it showed. She had lovely note paper for each person, beautiful table cloths to cover the ugly plastic tables, and delicate little dishes of candy for people to enjoy. The room was bright, clean and comfortable. Everything was arranged with the participants in mind. She had been in the room the day before to scope everything out and to plan the arrangement of tables and chairs so that everyone would be able to see well and would have adequate space to do the activities. Planning pays off.

She was ready for success and a successful workshop she had! If you are ever invited to someone else’s workshop, I encourage you to attend. You never know what you will learn and the difference it will make to the other person. Let’s get out there and PAC together!