PTK Students Help Seniors Waltz Down Memory Lane

Sometimes it takes a bit of patience, persistence and a kind word to make an impact on someone’s life. A group of Quinsigamond Community College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students learned just how true that was when they became involved with some seniors at the Oasis at Dodge Park, a rest home in Worcester. The students recently hosted a senior prom for the seniors, a culmination of over a month’s worth of events that was part of the students’ Honors and Action project. The Honors in Action project is a yearlong research project that addresses a need within the community.This year  PTK officers chose to do their project on the power of connection.

“The idea with this theme was how easily we can take our connectedness for granted. How ubiquitous it is and often more noticed in its absence,” said PTK President Jen Brevik.

The students chose to do their research on elders in retirement homes and developed a research question: "How does social interaction between volunteers, staff and elderly patients impact elder loneliness?" To find the answer to this question, the students held events with the seniors that included a game day, manicures & pizza, and ended with a senior prom.

“The seniors were standoffish at first,” Ms. Brevik said. However, as the students continued to visit, they started to warm up. “At each event the seniors started out grouchy, grumpy and anti-social then became warm and loving.They shared personal stories with us about their families, and their lives.They also asked us to return again and to write them letters.”

As the events went on, the seniors became closer to the students and friendships began forming.The prom was the highlight for many and the students spent time dancing with the seniors, sharing food and listening to them reminisce.

“The impact to the volunteers and the seniors was immeasurable,” Ms. Brevik said. “By far, this was the best volunteering activity Phi Theta Kappa has completed as far as having the greatest impact on so many members, students, staff, patients, and patients' families and friends.”

Two of the student volunteers made such a strong bond with a senior that they are going to continue to go back and visit.

“Although our events are completed in regard to the Honors in Action project, the consensus among the PTK officers is to continue to return to the Oasis at Dodge Park rest home every six weeks to continue those bonds and friendships,” Ms. Brevik added.