Meet Our Buddies

I’m a student at Florida International University and the Chapter President of StudentsCare. I got involved because I wanted to give back to my community in a meaningful way, and it quickly became something I’m really passionate about. In my role, I help lead our chapter and support our volunteers to create meaningful connections with seniors. Being part of StudentsCare has truly changed my perspective on what it means to show up for others.“Sometimes the smallest moments, just sitting, listening, and being present, can mean everything to someone. That’s what makes this so special to me.”

My name is Jane Fiorentino, and I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison studying Biology with a certificate in Global Health. I am on the premedical track with goals of becoming a physician, and I am especially interested in connecting clinical care with patient experience and public health. Outside of academics, I enjoy writing, reading, and building meaningful relationships with others. I also co-founded the Students Care chapter at UW–Madison, and I am excited to continue growing it and creating a supportive, joyful, and enriching experience for both volunteers and patients.

I am a Colombian who lives in Florida. Currently, I am an academic English student and a nursing assistant and aspire to become a physical therapy assistant. I grew up with my grandparents and have always felt a deep sense of love, tenderness, and compassion toward the elderly. Student Care has given me the opportunity to share wonderful experiences with my "Senior Buddy"—and to feel the gratification that comes from knowing that, every week, we both eagerly look forward to the moment we get to see each other.

Heidy is a pre-med student aspiring to become a doctor. She serves with both the Hospital Buddy and Senior Buddy Programs, achieving the Super Buddy Status each semester. In 2025, she stepped in as Co-Chapter Leader when her chapter needed her most.

Sofia is a pre-med student with natural leadership skills, who quickly moved from Vice President to Chapter President. Serving both the Hospital Buddy and Senior Buddy Programs, she has been a Super Buddy every semester and now leads a chapter with almost 30 volunteers.

As a Freshman business major at the Homestead campus, Isa became the founding Chapter President for StudentsCare at Miami Dade College. Her dedication and hard work inspired others to join her in serving isolated seniors in the community. Not only does she plan and coordinate activities for a local low-income senior facility, she spearheaded a fundraiser to create comfort kits that included blankets, socks, toiletries, snacks, and games.

As a Sophomore pre-med student, Henri joined StudentsCare and quickly proved to be a star volunteer and strong leader. Volunteering both as a Hospital Buddy and a Senior Buddy, Henri is now Vice President of the University of Miami chapter and serves as a role model to other volunteers.

Jonathan Viola is a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Biology and Psychology. He joined StudentsCare his freshman year, supporting the program through his role as Secretary and Records Manager, and now as Chapter Leader. “StudentsCare showed me how powerful genuine connection and small acts of kindness can be. Through the people I met and the stories they shared, I learned that meaningful support can leave a lasting impact. I will always carry those moments with me as a reminder of the difference compassion can make.”