For over a year, Julie has gotten to know and learn about her Buddy and create a lasting friendship. She describes her Buddy as “an accomplished gentleman and a joy to spend time with,” emphasizing that connecting with him truly informs her world view. She enjoys learning about his perspective and says that he gives her wonderful advice and is a nice friend to talk to.
Reflecting on one of her favorite memories with her Buddy, Julie remembers it being a crisp, sunny fall day. She went to greet her Buddy but could not find him in his room. After searching, she found him spending time outside, and decided to join him. The two spent their time enjoying the nice weather and laughing about how they wished the weather was just as beautiful year round. Through their time together, Julie learned that her Buddy was involved in sports journalism and was able to travel quite a lot throughout his life!
Alzheimer’s Buddies has helped Julie connect with people who lead very different lives from her own and through this, she has grown in her recognition and regard of common humanity.
- Julie Munsoor
Julie is currently in her 4th year at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and is majoring in Chemistry with minors in Creative Writing and Biology. She joined Alzheimer’s Buddies after growing up watching her mother work in a nursing home, where Julie felt very passionate about spending time with residents there. She says that those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other Neurodegenerative disorders benefit from spending quality time with others, and as a college student, she feels the same way.
She currently serves as the Service Chair for the rho chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma, nannies, and is involved in both clinical research and a wet lab. In her free time, Julie enjoys cooking, baking, and reading. In the future, she is interested in becoming a Physician.