Ruth Colvin loves to read. At 95, one of the things she credits for keeping her mentally sharp is that she reads a “tremendous” amount, and a desire to share the gift of reading with others has led her on a path that has taken her around the world.
As founder of Literacy Volunteers of America Inc., which then became ProLiteracy, Colvin was invited by universities, religious organizations and the International Executive Service Corporation to share her skills in native language literacy and English as a second language training.
So it would seem a natural fit that someone who not only enjoys reading, but has helped others to discover the world of books would switch hats from reader to author.
In her travels, Colvin met people from all walks of life —a holy man in India, a banned leader and a revolutionary in the apartheid system of South Africa. She’s met lepers in India and Madagascar, Chinese Communists and survivors of Pol Pot’s Cambodia.
In her book, ‘Off the Beaten Path, stories of people around the world,” Colvin discusses nine countries and shares 92 stories about people she has met.
The recipient of nine honorary doctorates, Colvin was given the highest award for volunteerism in the United States, the President’s Volunteer Action Award, in 1987. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006 and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991.
Colvin is appreciative of the opportunities that she has been given, but said her most rewarding adventures were connecting with individuals from vastly different backgrounds and experiences, learning about their cultures and traditions, and discovering the many similarities all people share.
“In my many travels around the world, I kept journals of my experiences,” Colvin said. “This book has been an opportunity to share some of these experiences with others.”
Originally from Chicago, Colvin married her husband, Bob, in 1940 and came to Syracuse at the end of 1941. A mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Colvin “brought my children up with international people,” she said. “In Syracuse there are people from all over, such as those at SU. We also have the International Center.”
She and her husband still live in Syracuse, which she said is “small enough you will find a connection with anyone. I love that about Syracuse, that feeling of community.”
When Bob retired and was subsequently invited by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) to help in its mission – “promoting prosperity and stability through private enterprise” to create jobs across the globe. “Since I do training in literacy and English as a second language, it made sense for me to join him.”
As a result they have traveled around the world, visiting 62 countries and providing literacy training in 26 developing countries, experiencing day-to-day life of the people in other lands as they volunteered their time and expertise to others.
Age is only a number
Colvin said age was not a factor when it came to travelling to other countries.
“When IESC called my husband in 1995, they asked him, is it true you are going to be 80 years old next February? After the age of 80, we’ve been on many trips, including to Papua, New Guinea, Cambodia, Madagascar, Guatemala and Haiti,” Colvin said.
In her book, she shares some of her memories of trips to India, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Swaziland, Ecuador/Peru, Madagascar and Cambodia.
Colvin’s secret for a long, healthy life
“There has to be a balance, and there are four important factors,” Colvin said:
- Physical
“I still play 18 holes of golf and exercise at least five days a week,” she said. “I keep active, cleaning, doing my own wash. People say, ‘You work out, you must like it.’ I don’t; I like the results.”
- Mental
“You don’t always have control of these things, but there are things you can do to stay sharp,” Colvin said. “I don’t care for crossword puzzles, but I do Sodoku and I read a tremendous amount, and can’t imagine life without it. Plus, I love writing.”
She also enjoys learning new things.
“I’m taking a drawing class at OCC,” Colvin said. “You can go there for free if you are a senior citizen – and the class is not filled – it’s what I call lifelong learning.”
- Emotional
“I have been married for 71 years.” Colvin said. “We’re a good team and, like everyone, we have our ups and downs, but I am first in his life and he is first in mine – we both know that.”
- Spiritual
Having spiritual balance is important to Colvin.
“Whatever your faith is, you must remember to have respect and for the other guy. Tolerance is important. I think I’m right – you think you are. Who is to say I am not wrong?”
Grandma knows best
Ruth and Bob’s children went on to success in their careers. Their son Terry started Synergy and lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Tammy. They have four children and two grandchildren. Their daughter, Lindy Webb, is a psychotherapist in California. She and husband Doug have two children and two grandchildren.
With six grandchildren living in other parts of the country, Colvin wanted to find a way to connect with them. Her solution? Make memories with them that are unique.
“We told our first born grandchild, ‘When you are five – fly here for one week without parents. Then, at 7, come for two weeks, and go to the day camp your father attended. Then, when you are 12 we will include you on an international trip. But then, we had six grandchildren…”
Colvin said the plan became that she and Bob would go to a country for three months, and each grandchild would go for three weeks during that time.
“We wanted them to see the countries living with the people, not as tourists,” she said. “We only had two conditions: They had to keep a journal during their trip and had to talk about it when they returned.”
Colvin said it was a way of opening their eyes to the world.
“And we had an experience with them that their parents didn’t.”
