In the heart of our community, at the bustling new Tech Center, a new Senior Planet training class was underway. This session, dedicated to mastering Instagram, was filled with eager learners of all ages. Among them was Melvin, an author who had recently embarked on a new journey to learn more social media platforms. He has published books and was excited to share his stories with the world, but he felt overwhelmed by the complexities of social media.

Melvin sat in the front row, notebook in hand, ready to absorb every bit of information. The instructor began with the basics of Instagram, explaining how to set up an account, the importance of a compelling bio, and how to use hashtags effectively. Melvin followed along, creating his author account step by step.

As the class progressed, Melvin learned how to create engaging posts, use Instagram Stories, and connect with his audience through comments and direct messages. He discovered the power of visual storytelling and how to use his own book covers, behind-the-scenes writing processes, and snippets of his writing to captivate potential readers.

Inspired by the UR Community Cares instructor’s examples and the collaborative atmosphere of the class, Melvin started to brainstorm content ideas. He envisioned posts that showcased his journey as an author, shared quotes from his book, and highlighted his favorite writing spots around town.

By the end of the class, Melvin was so excited to go home to show his wife what he learned. He had a handful of post ideas ready to go, and a newfound confidence in his ability to navigate the platform. The instructor encouraged everyone to support each other by following their new accounts, and Melvin quickly found himself with a plan on how to grow a network of followers.

In the weeks that followed, Melvin returned to the Tech Center to answer questions about Instagram and his confidence blossomed. He connected with other authors, readers, and book enthusiasts from around the world and can now find their accounts online. He is considering online writing challenges and book giveaways, further expanding his reach. His followers appreciated his candid posts about the challenges and triumphs of writing, and they eagerly awaited updates about his next book.

Melvin has found the Tech Center to be a source of inspiration and support. He received valuable feedback on his work and made meaningful connections that enriched his author journey.  Melvin not only found a way to share his stories with a wider audience but also discovered a vibrant community that celebrated his passion for writing in Manchester.

The Tech Center training class had given Melvin more than just the skills to use Instagram; it had opened the door to new opportunities and connections that transformed his experience as an author. His story is a testament to the power of technology and community education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. Find out the latest Tech Center happenings at www.urcommunitycares.org.