Meet Caroline! Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, she is a junior at the University of Kentucky and has been volunteering with Conversations to Remember for over two years. She also excitedly shared that she has a cat named Newton, whom she loves and adores!
Caroline is currently studying neuroscience and planning her next steps toward a career in nursing. “When I went into college, I was originally pre-med,” she shared. “But after gaining more clinical experience, I realized that what I really want is to interact with patients.” That realization led her to shift her path toward nursing, where she feels she can build deeper, more sustained relationships with those in her care.
Caroline first discovered Conversations to Remember through her campus involvement. As a member, and now president, of her university’s pre-medical women’s society, she was introduced to the organization by fellow students. At the time, she was searching for volunteer opportunities that were accessible without a car. Conversations to Remember stood out to her immediately. “I love how convenient it is with it being virtual,” she explained, “but also being able to sit down and have a conversation with people; it’s just so joyous. It’s honestly such a wonderful part of my week. I look forward to it every week.”
Over the past two years, Caroline has become deeply involved in the organization, not only participating in weekly calls with seniors but also serving as a volunteer trainer. Through her experiences, she has connected with a wide range of individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives. Reflecting on her early days, she recalled the variety of conversations she encountered: some of the seniors she spoke to had dementia and lived in a memory care facility, while others didn’t have dementia at all. “I got to experience different people at different levels… That variety was really great in terms of learning how to talk to different types of people,” Caroline explained.
Throughout the interview, Caroline returned again and again to the power of connection and conversation, explaining how the stories she hears linger with her and shape not only her own experience but also that of fellow volunteers and the seniors they meet with. For example, she fondly remembered a senior, “Bob” [a pseudonym] who “loved telling stories about how he drove a tank in Vietnam” and later worked as a truck driver. Bob even mentioned during a call that he was stationed at the same time as Elvis Presley, which Caroline found so cool! “He was so proud of his work,” she said. “That was always something fun to talk about.” While many of her experiences have been joyful, Caroline also spoke about the deeper emotional connections formed through the program. One particularly meaningful experience involved continuing calls with a senior, “Jill” [a pseudonym], after the loss of her husband, who had also been part of their conversations. “We [referring to the volunteers on the call] all had the very unique experience of getting to pick up the call… because we all had memories and stories he had shared with us,” she reflected. “Being able to talk with Jill has not only been healing for us as volunteers, but I think it truly has been healing for her.”
Through these relationships, Caroline has seen firsthand the impact of consistent companionship. “I think it really works to make it so that the senior has something to look forward to, someone to talk to,” she said. “You can see the difference. At the beginning of the call, they might be quiet or having a bad day, and by the end, they’ve opened up.”
At the same time, the experience has shaped her own growth in unexpected ways. “It has really helped me connect with people in my daily life,” she explained. “It’s improved my communication skills, not just with residents at the nursing home where I work as a CNA (certified nursing assistant), but with my grandparents, with everyone.” She adds that being a C2R call volunteer has been emotionally fulfilling in ways that she never anticipated originally. It was clear from our conversation that Conversations to Remember has truly impacted Caroline in a meaningful way.
Looking ahead, Caroline hopes to stay involved with Conversations to Remember for as long as possible. “I began doing this in hopes of gaining service hours,” she admitted, “but it has become such an important part of my life. I can’t imagine not doing it.” She also emphasized the close-knit nature of the organization: “It truly does feel like a family… and for that reason alone, I would want to be a part of this for as long as possible.” Caroline said that there may come a day when she is no longer able to contribute to the organization as much as she can now, especially as she grows into pursuing her nursing career, but she remains committed to always staying in touch and helping in any way she can.
For students considering joining, Caroline offers honest and thoughtful advice. “It’s not always easy,” she said. “Sometimes you’re talking to someone who is more reserved, and you really have to create a welcoming environment.” But despite those challenges, she encourages others to take the leap. “Just try it. It’s a little nerve-wracking at first, but the impact you make, on both the seniors and yourself, is incredible.”
What started as a convenient volunteer opportunity has grown into a deeply meaningful commitment for Caroline, one rooted in connection, empathy, and the simple but powerful act of conversation.
~ Thank you, Caroline, for your time and effort you have put into Conversations to Remember! ~