The Intern (1 of 13) - The Video Cover Letter

Summary

In this introspective narrative, a retired individual reflects on life after the loss of their wife and the challenges of finding purpose. Initially enjoying the novelty of retirement, the speaker soon confronts feelings of loneliness despite engaging in various activities like travel, golf, and cooking. Discovering an internship opportunity aimed at seniors sparks excitement and hope for connection, learning, and a renewed sense of community. With determination to adapt to new technologies and contribute meaningfully, the speaker affirms their belief in having 'music' still within, highlighting the pursuit of fulfillment in later life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on life after retirement, emphasizing feelings of loneliness and loss following the death of their spouse.
• 🏖️ Initially, retirement felt like a break from routine, allowing for travel and exploration.
• 🌍 Despite enjoying travel, the speaker quickly realized that returning home brought feelings of emptiness.
• ☕️ Regular visits to Starbucks have become a comforting routine, helping the speaker feel part of a community.
• 📚 The speaker has explored numerous activities to fill their time, including golf, cooking, yoga, and language classes.
• 😢 Funerals have become a frequent part of life, highlighting the losses the speaker continues to face.
• 👨‍👦 Family remains a vital source of support, with visits to their son in San Diego being particularly cherished.
• 🤔 The speaker acknowledges a sense of reliance on family, suggesting a desire for more independence.
• 💼 The discovery of a senior intern position offers hope for new connections, challenges, and a sense of purpose.
• 🎶 The speaker is determined to remain active and engaged, expressing confidence that they still have 'music' left in them.

Q & A

What does the speaker miss most after the death of their wife?

The speaker misses their wife in every way, highlighting a deep sense of loss and emotional void in their life.

How does the speaker describe their experience of retirement?

Initially, the speaker enjoyed the novelty of retirement, feeling like they were 'playing hooky,' but later faced a sense of emptiness and loneliness when returning home.

What activities has the speaker tried to fill their time?

The speaker has tried various activities, including golf, reading, watching movies, playing pinochle, yoga, cooking, gardening, and taking Mandarin classes.

What realization did the speaker come to regarding their feelings of loneliness?

The speaker realized that to combat loneliness, they needed to stay active and keep moving, indicating that engagement with the outside world is crucial for their well-being.

What is the significance of the flyer the speaker found?

The flyer for senior interns sparked the speaker's interest in seeking a new opportunity to engage with others and find purpose in their retirement.

What qualifications does the intern position require?

The intern position requires applicants to be over 65 years of age, have organizational skills, a genuine interest in e-commerce, and a willingness to learn.

How does the speaker feel about the tech skills required for the internship?

The speaker acknowledges that they may need time to adapt to the technological aspects of the internship but expresses eagerness to learn, even mentioning calling their grandson for help.

What emotional state does the speaker convey about their life in Brooklyn?

The speaker feels that they may not be 'hip enough' to live in Brooklyn anymore, indicating a sense of disconnect from their surroundings and the younger generation.

What does the speaker mean when they say, 'musicians don’t retire'?

The speaker uses this metaphor to express that they still have vitality and passion for life and activities, suggesting that they are not done contributing or finding joy.

What overall theme does the speaker's narrative convey?

The speaker's narrative conveys themes of loss, the search for purpose, the importance of social connections, and the desire to embrace new challenges in the face of aging.