My grandmother Silvia Paulson was the family matriarch. She outlived two husbands and was with us until age 93. Everyone who knew her understood how sassy and smart she was. Grandma Silvia went to Hunter College when it was a woman’s college – her father encouraged both his daughters to pursue their education despite the norm back then for women to stay in the home. From there, she became a public school teacher and guidance counselor in the New York City public school system, teaching theater for several years. She was also a union member – something she made sure I understood early on. My Grandma’s profession influenced my mother and my aunt to become teachers and professors, and sent me down that path as well. She taught us that it was a profession to be proud of, that it carried honor, and that – as my Grandmother always made sure we agreed with – was shamefully under-appreciated. But my Grandmother’s career as a teacher extended far beyond her classroom. She was our teacher. We spent hours at the dinner table learning about Jewish history, U.S. history, labor history, and pulling apart the news and latest developments in the world. We spent even more hours going to museums (and NYC has a lot of them!)—her advancing age and limited mobility didn’t stop her, it simply meant it would take longer to get there. My Grandmother taught me to love history, politics, and reading – and she made sure I valued the education I was so fortunate to be getting. For all of this, I am forever grateful.
Lisa Adler is the Campaign Organizer for Caring Across Generations at Jobs With Justice
Photo: Lisa’s grandmother, Silvia Paulson
