Health & Wellness
November 12, 2024

Carolyn’s Creative Journey with GetSetUp: Art, Tech, and Connection Thanks to California Libraries

Carolyn’s Creative Journey with GetSetUp: Art, Tech, and Connection Thanks to California Libraries
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During the pandemic, Carolyn, a retired tech enthusiast and former web designer, first discovered GetSetUp, which she had access to through the partnership with the California State Library System through her local Marin County Library in Northern California. 

“I was looking for things to do, and GetSetUp came up at the right time,” she recalls.

Since then, Carolyn has become a dedicated participant, especially enjoying the art classes, which have transformed her daily life. 

“I keep coming back, mainly because of Deana. She is just fabulous. Everything about her is wonderful,” Carolyn shared, reflecting on her favorite instructor. 

“I enjoy painting with her, and I’ve bought a ton of equipment for collaging and painting. Her personality is outstanding, and she’s become my friend now.”

Carolyn values Deana's attention to detail in her classes and the comprehensive notes that even include short videos she sends out afterward. 

“Her notes are like nobody else’s. They’re so detailed—little videos, links to buy materials—it’s a class in itself that is great,” she explained. 

Tech Appreciation From A Tech Expert

For Carolyn, Deana has set the “gold standard” for an engaging online class. But Carolyn’s interests don’t stop at art. As a retired tech expert who was a computer trainer, she also enjoys GetSetUp’s tech classes

“I used to be a self-trained web designer, so I’m very critical of websites and design. GetSetUp has a really great site. I get frustrated with a lot of websites but I don’t think I ever have been frustrated with GetSetUp,” she said. 

Carolyn has also learned valuable tips in GetSetUp tech classes. 

“I’m really interested in tech. Wade’s technology classes have been particularly helpful,” she said. “I really like the iPad, and I’ve learned a lot from Wade about how to make the most of it.”

Carolyn has found that now she often prefers to attend classes and utilize the internet using her iPhone and iPad, to her laptop. 

Gaining Confidence and Freedom

While GetSetUp offers a wide variety of classes,  Deana’s art classes continue to draw Carolyn back. 

“The art is really life-changing with Deana. It’s given me confidence and the freedom to do what moves me,” she explained. 

Carolyn credits the creativity and relaxation she’s found through GetSetUp with helping her through the challenging times of the pandemic. 

“Certainly, my well-being has improved, especially during the pandemic. When I couldn’t do anything and there wasn’t anywhere else to get it, GetSetUp was there,” she shared.

Carolyn enjoys the live interaction the platform offers. 

“I like the live classes because I can talk to people,” she said. “I do take Senior Planet sometimes, but GetSetUp has more variety, and Deana keeps bringing me back.” 

Although she hasn’t explored as many classes recently due to her busy schedule, Carolyn looks forward to taking even more in the future, including classes in Spanish. Through her local California State Library branch, Carolyn has found an outlet for her creativity and a vibrant community of learners. 

“GetSetUp is a great program and tool, and I just don’t know how to get the word out to everyone. Everyone should be on GetSetUp—it’s really good, especially for exercise and the social aspect,” she concluded.

For Carolyn, GetSetUp has been more than just a place to take classes—it’s been a lifeline, bringing joy, learning, and connection during a time when she needed it most.