Sanjana: GlamourGals Alumni Spotlight

Sanjana, a GlamourGals Alumni who has began medical school reflects on her GlamourGals volunteer experience and how it shaped her professional goals and development.

My favorite memory as a GG volunteer was watching new student volunteers grow to become passionate about bridging the intergenerational gap. Whether it be handing out flyers or hosting boba milk tea fundraisers, it was always exciting to inform fellow students about our service experiences as GlamourGals. When briefing new student volunteers on how makeovers are conducted and how to converse with the senior residents, some seemed a bit nervous at first. Over the course of the makeover event, it was fulfilling to see the new volunteers ease into their conversations with the elderly residents, as they exchanged stories, laughs and positive energy. I will always remember the bright, radiant smiles of confidence on the faces of volunteers as they returned for subsequent makeover events.

To me, the impact of a GlamourGals makeover is beyond just manicures. It is a sense of empowerment, belonging, respect and compassion that we aim to provide to the elderly population we serve. It is mutual growth between the student volunteer and senior resident. It is advocating and raising awareness for reducing senior loneliness and bridging the intergenerational gap.

In the future, I hope to apply my medical education by advocating for reducing social isolation and loneliness in the senior population.