A conversation may seem like a small thing. We have countless conversations every day, often without thinking twice about them. Yet over the past two years, Conversations to Remember has taught me that a single conversation can do much more than fill time. It can bridge generations, combat loneliness, challenge assumptions, guide you to learn something new, and remind someone that they are seen and valued. Through my experiences with C2R, I have come to understand that meaningful service does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, small acts can accumulate over time to make a bigger difference.
Hello everyone! My name is Natasha Khetan, and I am a rising senior at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a dual degree in Disability Studies (B.A.) and Allied Health Sciences (B.S.). In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, playing the flute, and watching and coaching mixed martial arts (MMA)!
I joined Conversations to Remember (C2R) two years ago as both a virtual visit volunteer and a writer for the newsletter team. Over the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of serving as the Newsletter Team Lead.
My interest in working with older adults began when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although we were not especially close growing up, largely because he lived across the world in another country, I could still see the profound impact that the disease had on my family. Before his diagnosis, Alzheimer’s was not something anyone in my family knew much about or had even discussed. Watching my family navigate the uncertainty, grief, and changes that accompanied the disease sparked my desire to learn more about aging and the challenges faced by older adults. More importantly, it made me ask: What role could I play in making a difference?
When I was in high school, I volunteered at local nursing homes by playing the flute for residents. I would play a wide variety of music, from classical compositions to movie soundtracks. Music brought joy not only to the residents, but also to me. Those experiences taught me that even brief moments of connection can be deeply meaningful. However, once I entered college, continuing this volunteer work became difficult. Without a car and while adjusting to the demands of coursework and extracurricular activities, I found myself unfortunately stepping away from service during my freshman year. However, during the summer after my freshman year, I knew I wanted to become involved again, but I didn’t know how, or where to start.
One day, while reading my university’s daily newsletter, I came across a post detailing the opportunity to volunteer with Conversations to Remember. The fact that the organization operated entirely virtually immediately stood out to me. I would not have to worry about transportation, and I could easily fit volunteering into my schedule between classes, meetings, and other commitments. It was an immediate yes for me!
Additionally, as a student with a disability, I have realized over these years that volunteering with C2R has also made service far more accessible for me. Traditional volunteer opportunities often require in-person attendance on a strict schedule, which can be challenging on days when I am experiencing pain, fatigue, or symptom flares. C2R has allowed me to volunteer from the comfort of my own bed on a flexible schedule, while still making a meaningful impact. It has enabled me to use my strengths in writing, listening, and connecting with others to contribute in ways that are both sustainable for myself and my body, and at the same time, fulfilling. This experience has reinforced for me the importance of creating accessible pathways to service. Too often, we think of volunteering as something that must happen in person, at a specific place and time. C2R demonstrates that meaningful relationships can also be built virtually. In a world where loneliness and social isolation among older adults remain significant challenges, virtual intergenerational programs, such as the one built by C2R, provide an invaluable opportunity to foster community.
Through both virtual visits and my work with the newsletter, I have had the opportunity to hear countless stories and life experiences. I have learned that every older adult carries a lifetime of wisdom, resilience, and history. Listening to these stories has challenged many of the stereotypes society often associates with aging. Older adults are frequently overlooked, stigmatized, or viewed solely through the lens of decline. Yet my experiences with C2R have shown me something very different. Older adults are vibrant individuals with rich identities, unique experiences, and have so much to teach younger generations.
Service, I have learned, is not always about doing something extraordinary. Often, it is about showing up consistently, listening attentively, and reminding someone that they matter. Small acts of kindness, repeated over time, can profoundly affect both the person receiving them and the person offering them. Volunteering with C2R has taught me that meaningful change is often built through these small, everyday moments of connection.
My experiences with C2R have also strengthened my desire to become a family medicine physician. The more I learn about older adults through writing for the newsletter, reading my peers’ articles, and engaging with older adults during virtual visits and interviews, the more committed I become to caring for individuals across the lifespan. I hope to build long-term relationships with patients and families, supporting them through every stage of their lives. C2R has shown me not only the medical challenges that many older adults face, but also the importance of addressing social connection, dignity, and quality of life as essential components of health.
For anyone considering joining Conversations to Remember, I encourage you to give it a chance. Whether you can dedicate only a few hours each month or tens of hours a month, there is a place for you within this organization. Robert and Eve are wonderful leaders who create a supportive and understanding environment for volunteers.
Looking back on the past two years, I am incredibly grateful for my time with Conversations to Remember. It has helped me grow as a writer, leader, and future healthcare professional. Most importantly, it has reminded me that connection is one of the most powerful forms of service we can offer. Sometimes, changing someone’s day, or even their life, begins simply by starting a conversation.