UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students from across the College of Health and Human Development recently gathered to write and decorate Valentine’s cards to donate to Medi Home Health and Hospice. The homemade cards will be distributed to patients and their families for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14.

Medi Home Health and Hospice provides support for recovery from illness or injury and helps patients and their families regain independence in an environment where they feel comfortable.

During the Hearts for Hospice event, students made nearly 80 Valentine’s cards to distribute to home health and hospice patients this holiday.

Jaclyn Navarro, a senior majoring in human development and family studies, appreciated the opportunity to help patients feel less isolated, lonely, or even hopeless during this time of year.

“When I found out we were going to make cards for hospice patients, my heart started to glow,” said Navarro, who is currently serving as a senior intern for the College of Health and Human Development Office for Diversity and Inclusion. “I felt so inspired to write meaningful messages, and I pray that each card will be given to the right person. I hope my words are able to comfort them.

“While these cards are hopefully meaningful for the patients, I think service opportunities like Hearts for Hospice provide college students with an experience that is heartfelt, meaningful and therapeutic. We need that in our fast-paced, overwhelming lives,” said Navarro.

Grace Cieszkowski, a sophomore majoring in biobehavioral health, participated in Hearts for Hospice to help her mentally reset and broaden her perspective.

“Although I am one person, these opportunities remind me that even the smallest act can impact many,” she said. “At college, it is easy to become consumed with schoolwork and other stressors. Service gives me the opportunity to stop and experience the joy of self-improvement by looking outside myself.”

Megan Owens, assistant dean for student services and engagement for the College of Health and Human Development, organized and participated in the event.

“Offering programs with a community service component are crucial for us to be truly living our mission in Health and Human Development to enrich the lives of others. The goal of offering programs that give back to our community is that students begin to infuse community service into their routine, so that when they graduate and go into their own communities, they continue to enrich the lives of others.

“Our students are all helpers; you can see the sparkle in their eyes when they know they will be lifting someone’s spirits and doing something good for someone else.”