Dr. Barbara Shuler wasn’t necessarily looking to move into a senior living community when she scheduled a tour of Harbour’s Edge, but she knew she wanted to downsize in retirement.
“One thing that stood out when I came to Harbour’s Edge was the beauty and the warm welcome I received,” Dr. Shuler said. “I just felt like this was the idyllic place for me to come live.”
With Dr. Shuler’s background as an educator, and her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she identified an opportunity to become involved with efforts to improve the experience of her new home at Harbour’s Edge senior living community.
An Impressive Career Working for the State
Dr. Shuler was born and raised in northern Florida on Amelia Island, located at the southern point of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands that stretches from South Carolina to Florida.
She eventually left Amelia Island to go to school at Florida A&M University. This kicked off an educational journey that took Dr. Shuler to both Ohio State University and the University of Miami. Eventually she ended up at the University of Florida where she earned a doctorate in education.
“I started working for Dade County in the late seventies,” Dr. Shuler said. “That’s when I became very active and involved in the community. In 1980, the governor of Florida at the time, [Bob Graham], appointed me to the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.”
Dr. Shuler said she served on that board for 25 years, but with what she refers to as “a little break.” That little break was a 10-year run as an assistant superintendent.
Advancing Equity in Palm Beach County
During her time working for the state, Dr. Shuler became increasingly passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and making improvements across communities and school districts.
In Palm Beach County, Dr. Shuler started an institute at Palm Beach State College called the Equity Institute where she underwrote a program on equity, inclusion, and diversity.
“We created the program to make sure all the students who go to Palm Beach State College feel they are wanted and needed,” Dr. Shuler said. “Our goal was and is to give people an equal opportunity for education regardless of race, creed, and culture. I’m very proud of that.”
Dr. Shuler was later recognized in Dade County for her many life accomplishments, where they named a boulevard after her called the Dr. Barbara-Carey Shuler Boulevard.
Aging Gracefully at Harbour’s Edge
Dr. Shuler has been loving life at the Delray Beach senior living community and says she has no regrets about her move.
“The residents here are so happy, and they’re so energetic and they’re so engaged,” Dr. Shuler said. “I don’t really look at them as getting old and aging. They just inspire me to do more, to keep my health intact, and to love myself and my body … And so I just think people here are living happily and enjoying life and that in turn helps you age gracefully and beautifully.”
When asked if she had any advice for someone who is thinking about entering into a senior living community, she had this to say.
“I would say if that’s your choice [and you otherwise connect with the community], go for it,” Dr. Shuler said. “I expected to make friends and be part of the community. And so I came in with that on my mind and it all worked out.”
Dr. Shuler confidently said she is not leaving Harbour’s Edge anytime soon.
“I love beauty, art, and culture,” Dr. Shuler said. “And this community is a place where I can enjoy those things for the rest of my life. I expect this to be my last move and I’m going to enjoy it.”
Celebrate the Beauty of Life at Harbour’s Edge
Harbour’s Edge offers a sophisticated setting, high-end services and amenities, and a variety of activities to enjoy so you can spend each day exactly how you want. Like Dr. Shuler, you too can celebrate the beauty of life here, while also getting any support you might need.
Consider this your friendly invitation to interact with accomplished residents like Dr. Shuler, while learning more about how Harbour’s Edge can help you stay active and social.
Contact us to learn more about life at Harbour’s Edge.
