Meet the Trainer: David Slapak - Senior Planet from AARP

Before joining theSenior Planet Miamiteam in January 2024 as a technology trainer, DavidSlapakspent yearsteaching English as a second language in South Korea andTurkey.Two years into his tenure at Senior Planet, we caught up with David totalk about the importance of never giving up when learning something new and his plethora of hobbies outside of work.What is your favorite part of being aSenior Planettrainer?The best part is seeing a person (or better yet, a group of people) take responsibility for their own learning.When people show up to class early, stay consistent, and embrace the true spirit of learning, they can develop new habits androutines.They can, in a sense, start teaching themselves.So, as a trainer,thatswhatI strive for.I want to get my students to the point where they start taking charge of their own learning.Is there a piece of advice you find yourself sharing a lot?Too many, actually.Illtry to pick the most useful one.

I guess that would have to be never give up.No matter how frustrated you are by your inability to effectively use mainstream technology, just do your best to keep coming back to class.If you learned just one thing in class today, take that as a win.

Learn one more thing tomorrow.Next week, try to learn two things every day.Before you know it,youllbe on the right path.What makes Miami a special place?Thetraffic, maybe.

Just kidding! The obvious answer, to me, is the variety of cultures found in the greater Miami area.I like seeing people fromdifferent backgroundsinteracting with and learning from each other.Also,theresthe nightlife,the food, and, of course, the beach.What are some of your hobbies outside of work?Iminto all sorts of stuff.

Cats, heavy metal, basketball, video games, traveling, astronomy, billiards, fitness, chess, history, psychology, film, cooking I know a little bit about alotthings.I consider myself a very curious person, andI think Ilearn something every day.Maybe learning is my full-time hobby.What doesAging withAttitudemean to you?It means that wedontallow ourselves to be affected by the stigma of aging.

The process of aging is something every person needs to learn to embrace.We allhave toage, so we face it head-on.Photo: Selfie of David SlapakPam Hugi is Senior Planets Community and Advocacy Manager.Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.