Inspiring Woman - Carmen

Preeti M., an Academy Of American Studies volunteer, writes about an inspirational senior she met at a makeover.

I met a resident at the facility named Carmen. Carmen is stubborn and sassy, but that is one of the reasons we connected so deeply. She never wanted funky or bold colors. But by the end of the year, she had me paint her nails bright red, lime green, and even glitter gold. Although her memory wasn’t sharp and asked each visit what zodiac sign I was, she knew more about zodiac signs than anyone I have ever known. She gave me inspirational advice about college life and relationships. She taught me to be more outgoing and expressive of my emotions. She inspired me to keep visiting the facility even when I was in the worst of my spine pain. Carmen was the reason I had a passion for volunteering. Seeing her face light up when she recognized me, not fully knowing who I was, just knowing she missed me, made my day each visit.