Two K-State freshmen created a pen pal program between nursing home residents and students for a class project.
What started as a civic engagement project in Alice Piovezana’s philosophy class quickly turned into an active pen pal program reaching the hearts and minds of students and local nursing home residents alike.
“My group partner, Audrey Herrmann, had experience working in nursing homes and knew that residents normally are lonely and don’t have many connections,” Piovezana said. “So, we thought of the pen pal program. Why not make them feel seen and heard and special every day?”
They both knew from the beginning that they wanted to continue the life of the project past its due date. So far, they have 12 residents and students communicating via letters and are planning to register Paws Pals as an official club.
Originally from Brazil, Piovezana had to adjust to the culture of the United States. With the help of her mentor, Bibiana Perez Torres, she was able to get acclimated and spread the word of her pen pal program. Torres gave flyers to her sorority sisters and helped Piovezana feel confident, giving her motivation to continue the project.
How does the program work?
Just like any other pen pal program, the residents and students are paired up and then begin correspondence with each other. The Paws Pals club holds meetings once a month with time available for students to complete their letters and collect advice about what to say.
Though Paws Pals is only in the early stages, it has already reached the hearts of many. Piovezana and Herrmann hope to see their program grow into a lasting tradition at K-State, helping both students and the supporting community around them. They’re proving that something as simple as a handwritten note can brighten days and bridge generations.
By Kate Ellwood