Legacy Writing

Writing is a powerful medium has conveyed beautiful emotions and thoughts throughout time. At Across Generations, we're using writing to preserve the life stories of seniors and showing the world that the elderly matter.

"The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair."

Proverbs 20:29

Maturity brings wisdom

At Across Generations, we strive to show our generation that the elderly still contribute to our world. Legacy Writing is an evidence of the importance of the aged, and it is a reminder that our lives, too, are significant.

Students with many different majors, including English, Writing, and more, have worked with us to interview seniors and record their life stories in written format. The impact of this program is in the name. Seniors leave behind their "legacy" by recording and publishing their story through us.

As we reflect on our lives together, we demonstrate how God's hand moves in little ways each day. Through our Biblical perspective, we understand that every time we suffer and rejoice is a reason to praise God.

Benefits of Legacy Writing

Provides Comfort

As seniors near the end of their lives, it can be a great source of comfort to realize their stories will be retold.

Educates Society

We prove to the world that there is something to learn from seniors. We encourage respect and interest across generations.

Praises God

As we see God's hand in our lives, we encourage others to think about where God wants them to be.

How Does It Work?

Before meeting with writers, leaders find and conduct a basic interview of seniors interested in having their story told. 

Writers are matched with an older person based on mutual interests. In their own time, they write a first draft and undergo multiple rounds of editing.

We are currently seeking students skilled in formatting and publishing! 

Did you know?

  • Some publishers have rejected elderly persons seeking to publish their story.

  • Studies demonstrate the usefulness of recording an elderly person's life story. 

    • Recording life stories helps seniors adapt to continuing care settings by maintaining a sense of identity.

    • Life stories display a patient's identity outside the care setting, strengthening bonds between caregiver and patient. 

Leadership

The planning, formatting, and organizing of this program would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our leaders. Learn more about Kate Masters and Jacob Clark below.

Kate Masters

Long-Time AG Volunteer, Founder and Director of Legacy Writing

Kate Masters graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor's in English. Kate works part-time as an English Graduate Student Assistant while pursuing a Master's Degree at Liberty University.

Kate was an avid volunteer who contributed her wide set of abilities to the program. As a singer, she performed with us in music concerts. As a volunteer curious to learn more about others, she also attended our craft events.

Kate's passion for English intersected our desires to begin a writing program that could record the life stories of seniors for generations to come. Kate enthusiastically accepted the role as Founder and Director of the Legacy Writing program we know today. In her first semester, Kate recruited 15 dedicated writers and matched them with seniors based on their commonalities. 

As a leader, Kate is competent, hardworking, and faithful. Centering her members on God, she motivates others to work with passion and enthusiasm. Kate is a wonderful friend and an amazing director who has created a wonderful program seniors love. She shows us all what it means to use your talents for God.

Kate continues to work tirelessly to finalize the Legacy Writing Anthology with her two editors, Lily Walter and Abby Hoekstra. Stay tuned to see the results of their incredible efforts!

Kate enchants the audience performing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Kate participates in an age simulation with David Bryant and Thomas Major. They are playing a game of Apples to Apples.

A Word from Kate

"Hey everyone, I’m Kate! Marysol asked me to introduce myself by telling you all what I do here and why I’m involved in this club. Here it goes:

All growing up I lived a mile down the road from my paternal grandparents and spent a lot of time at their house hanging out with my grandma, who I was especially close with throughout my life. Both passed the summer before I came to college and not having any living grandparents definitely left a void for me.

Being able to serve seniors in a Christ-centered way has been an answered prayer and an incredible blessing in my life!

The first thing I noticed when I joined AG was the servant-leadership in this club. They want to serve Christ first and foremost and understand just how important it is to honor our elders - something that’s unfortunately not very common in our present time.

Before putting together the Legacy Writing program I was mostly involved in the music concerts last Spring. Over the summer, as our group’s resident Writing major, Marysol messaged me and asked if I would be interested in heading up a project writing stories about seniors. Needless to say, I was JAZZED. Neither of us knew exactly what this project would turn into, but God has directed it every step of the way. That being said, whatever your interests, AG will make use of them - just bring a heart of service and you never know what could happen."

-- Kate Masters

Jacob Clark

Current Legacy Writing Director

Jacob Clark is an English major with a passion for serving seniors in the community. Upon hearing about the open leadership position in Legacy Writing, Jacob was enthusiastic to take up the role. Leading with a heart for God, Jacob guides our writers to love the elderly and value their stories as much as he does!

Throughout the semester, Jacob will interview seniors, write stories, and edit stories from other members. Moving forward, Jacob hopes to expand this program to provide more seniors the opportunity to leave their legacy.

We are excited to see him continue to unite talented Liberty students to serve the Lord through Legacy Writing.

Start Writing Today

Become a part of a project that will last for a lifetime.

Join Legacy Writing today.