A warm and devoted volunteer with Conversations to Remember, Minnelys Fernandez de la Cruz has been brightening the lives of seniors for over three years. Originally from Puerto Rico, Minnelys recently earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico. This fall, she’ll begin a new chapter as a medical student at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.
Her journey with Conversations to Remember began during her undergraduate years when she came across a post shared by one of her student organizations. Intrigued by the opportunity to connect with others and make a difference, she quickly signed up and never looked back. What began as a simple volunteer activity has since grown into one of the most meaningful experiences of her college career.
Minnelys initially helped with student outreach, a role where she reached out to schools to spread awareness about the program and encourage students to become volunteers. However, she soon found her calling in weekly virtual visits with seniors. While she has spent the past three years joining virtual visits with multiple different seniors, Minnelys has been consistently meeting with one particular senior the entire time – a retired scientist living with Lewy body dementia, a type of dementia characterized by protein buildup in the brain. Despite his condition, their conversations are vibrant and insightful, often centering around his life growing up in the Bronx during the 1930s, his professional career in science, and encouraging Minnelys and her peers in their academic journeys.
“He’s always so eager to talk to us,” Minnelys says. “He shares his life stories, offers advice, and genuinely supports our goals. It’s inspiring to learn from someone who’s lived so fully.”
The relationship she’s developed with him and his wife, who joins their calls to assist him, has become deeply personal. Over time, their conversations have grown more natural and heartfelt. “Now they recognize us, remember our stories, and ask how we’re doing,” she says. “It truly feels like talking to family.”
Minnelys credits the program for helping her grow both personally and professionally. “When I started, I was a shy person,” she reflects. “But these calls taught me how to communicate, how to listen, and how to build meaningful relationships. I use those skills in every part of my life now.”
The experience has also transformed her perspective on aging. “I used to think that life slowed down completely for people in assisted living, especially those with memory challenges. But I’ve learned that seniors are still full of energy, wisdom, and joy. They live full lives and deserve to be heard.”
Minnelys also appreciates how Conversations to Remember adapts to meet volunteers where they are. Living in Puerto Rico and joining during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found the virtual format accessible and essential. “It gave us all a way to connect during lockdowns. Without the virtual setup, I wouldn’t have been able to participate.”
Through it all, Minnelys has remained committed not only to the seniors at Conversations to Remember, but also to her dream of becoming a physician. “As a future doctor, I know I’ll be caring for older adults. Thanks to this program, I’ve learned how to connect with them on a human level, to understand their needs, and to truly listen.”
Minnelys has been working tirelessly, balancing demanding coursework with her consistent volunteering. Her compassion, determination, and empathy shine through in every call. There’s no doubt that her experiences with Conversations to Remember will help shape her into an extraordinary physician – one who heals with both knowledge and heart.
To students considering volunteering with Conversations to Remember, Minnelys offers this advice:
“Go for it. You may feel unsure at first, but this experience will change your life. It certainly changed mine.”
– Minnelys Fernandez de la Cruz
With her warmth, wisdom, and dedication, Minnelys continues to embody the spirit of Conversations to Remember. Thank you for all you’ve done, Minnelys; we’re so proud to have you as part of our team!
