How a Simple Service Project Changed a Hutchison Senior’s Life

When Samantha Ring ’26 first started delivering flowers to alumnae and friends of Hutchison at Trezevant Manor, she thought she would drop off each bouquet and head to the next person. The first time that she went to Trezevant, she was nervous to knock on each resident’s door. Now, she has spent countless hours talking with residents.

“I never realized how much people would want to sit down and talk. I spent more than 30 minutes in a lot of people's rooms regularly,” she said. “The people there like that I'm bringing them stories from Hutchison, a place that they feel connected to, and hearing what it's like now. I also love to hear what it was like for them growing up. It's the same place, but it’s so different for all of us.”

For Trezevant residents, Samantha offered more than a gift; she offered her presence. Through curiosity, conversation, listening, and consistency, she formed genuine relationships that brought joy to others. She became a pen pal to several residents, and along the way, gained confidence and a greater understanding of community. “I feel comfortable with everybody there. I love getting to go see them, and I hope they love seeing me,” she said. 

Samantha estimated she has interacted with about 60 alumnae, adding new names to the flower delivery list as she meets residents with connections to Hutchison. She said alumnae enjoy hearing about Hutchison traditions that have continued from when they were students, such as May Day. The project showed her the importance of listening and forming deep connections. 

“My mom has always shown me how important it is to listen to other people's stories. I've always taken that with me through life and tried to be somebody that everybody could tell their stories to,” she said. “Getting to be that person for so many people at the same time… people who are just down the hall from each other, but have such different stories from the same place. It has been eye-opening to see how everybody's lives are lived and realize that everyone just wants to share their story. I think I learned the value of really listening to people and what they have to tell you.”

As she prepares to graduate, Hutchison Serves is continuing her legacy. Members of the Beelonging Committee are writing cards, while upper school girls are delivering flowers and spending time with residents, carrying forward the connections that began with a simple knock on the door. Kate Weber ’26 is one of the students assisting in deliveries this school year. 

 “We look forward to it every week, and we’ve gotten to know who we are bringing flowers to,” Kate said. “Now Anna [Chiozza ’26] and I will write notes to specific people. We started writing poems to one woman. We’ll knock on people’s doors, and they remember us and where we’re going to college. They’re very Hutchison proud.”

As the project continues with more students getting involved, it reminds us that meaningful service is not about grand gestures, but about honoring stories, showing up, and allowing connection to shape who we become.