Eagles Trace Resident Leads Classes Based on His Experiences

When Bill Deerhake moved to Eagle's Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Tex., he didn't expect to become a teacher--especially with a former career as an Amoco petroleum engineer.

"I worked in the oil business, in production and drilling, and had the opportunity to live overseas in Trinidad, Egypt, and Norway for more than 13 years," Bill says.

But when the community's lifelong learning classes needed new teachers, he stepped up to the plate. Now, he heads the Stargazers, Great Decisions, and Knowledge Seekers groups, which offer classes on a variety of subjects.

"I've been running all three groups for over five years now," says Bill, noting that his cross-country travels inform many of the lessons.

"These classes are wonderful opportunities for residents to stay engaged and connect with neighbors who share similar interests," says Resident Life Director Kristen Kennedy. "It's also a chance for residents to explore something new in retirement."

And that's exactly what Bill loves about them!

Lots to learn about

Stargazers, Great Decisions, and Knowledge Seekers draw dozens of residents to their evening classes.

"Many residents are busy during the day with fitness classes and performance practices, so the timing allows everyone to attend if they're interested," says Kennedy. "It also gives residents something to look forward to after dinner."

Stargazers takes a close look at astronomical issues and the people who made discoveries, while Great Decisions focuses on foreign policy and economic issues.

"Knowledge Seekers combines science, travel, and history videos, mostly from The Great Courses, [a lecture streaming service]," Bill says. "All of my travels fit into many of the video series that I show."

This overlap is what inspired him to try teaching. Bill and his late wife, Beverly, visited 100 countries, including Antarctica.

"While overseas [for work], we traveled extensively for our annual vacations," he recalls. "After retirement, we continued to take major overseas trips every other year."

A personal approach

In more recent years, Bill has traveled to Namibia and the Amazon Rainforest. Just last year,

he visited Romania, Bulgaria, and the regions around the former Yugoslavia.

"It's nice when traveling that I don't have to worry about the yard and utilities, since I live at Eagle's Trace," Bill says. "I just lock the door and leave!"

Now, he applies much of his worldly knowledge to the classes he teaches, especially for the Knowledge Seekers group. "I feel that with my travel experiences, I can offer lots of personal insight on many topics presented," Bill says.

With his travel history, Bill certainly has plenty of stories to share with his students. "While working in Egypt, we made two round-the-world trips--one through India, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong, and another through Singapore, Bali, Australia, and New Zealand," Bill recalls.

Other trips have included Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Sikkim.

"I hiked the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and we made a trip to the Galapagos with Beverly's college roommate and her husband," adds Bill.

Engaging conversations

Several residents who attend the groups have also lived and worked internationally, making the classes even more lively and interactive.

"We end up with a lot of really good discussions on some of the topics because a lot of people have had personal, one-on-one experiences in some of these countries," Bill says.

However, students also appreciate having fresh and intriguing topics to learn more about.

"We recently did a series on the history and archeology of the Bible in Knowledge Seekers, which attracted new people who don't regularly attend," he notes. "The same happens with Great Decisions when we hit on a topic people have interest in."

Going above and beyond

Bill says he always receives a sincere thank you from attendees for the time he puts into researching and selecting topics as well as making presentations.

"Everyone seems to learn something from each class, even though some of the scientific topics may be above our understanding!" he says, with a laugh.

To learn more about independent senior living at Eagle's Trace, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram