CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A moment of peace can be found different ways and at the courtyard at Brookdale Senior Living Center it’s easy to find.

  • A senior at UNCC received a grant from the Levine Scholars program at UNC Charlotte to build a garden and courtyard at Brookdale Senior Living Center.
  • He started volunteering at Brookdale as a freshman. As time went on he became a common sight.
  • He wants to go to medical school and volunteering here has made him realize he wants to work in geriatrics.

But the transformation only happened a few months ago.

“I wanted to do something to get more people outside,” said Seth Flynn.

Flynn received a grant from the Levine Scholars program at UNC Charlotte to build a garden and courtyard. He and a group of people built birdhouses, added a butterfly garden, a fire pit and even a shuffleboard table

It opened in April.

“This has spiked their emotional well being,” said Brookdale Activities Director Stacye Cuthbertson.

Flynn is a senior at UNC Charlotte.

Residents admit it's not what they were thinking about when they were younger.

“They weren't interested in anything like this. They were racing cars and chasing ladies,” said Brookdale resident Marge Warren.

Flynn is different.

He started volunteering at Brookdale as a freshman. As time went on he became a common sight.

“He was doing a lot of bingo calling for us, going out to dinners with us, doing arts and crafts,” Cuthbertson said.

This work is also helping Flynn for the future. He wants to go to medical school and volunteering here has made him realize he wants to work in geriatrics.

Flynn is a few years off from donning the white coat but with this group he's learning something everyday.

“All the wisdom they have to share, it's worth everything to me,” Flynn said. “I think everyone should try to have that experience and learn from these people.”

In the large scheme of things building a garden may not seem that big. But in a time when generations sometimes seem more different than ever, Flynn is doing what more people need to, bridging the divide.

It's why he's this week's Everyday Hero.

If you have an idea for our next Everyday Hero please email Spectrum News at Everydayheroes@charter.com