Nicole Cremente, a senior marketing major, and Daniel Formella, a sophomore history major, both students at The Catholic University of America in Washington, have formed new friendships — in unexpected places —during the pandemic.
Both students have befriended senior citizens in Texas. Cremente, who lives in New Jersey, was paired with Connie, while Formella talks each Saturday with Elva. The pairs of friends are unlikely due to the years and miles that separate them, but that is precisely the goal of Big & Mini, an online platform designed to form connections across generations.
The platform was created by friends of Formella from high school, and uses technology to connect “Bigs” and “Minis” to share stories and experiences and decrease loneliness, especially during the increased isolation due to COVID-19.
Both pairs recently were featured on the “Today” show.
“Connie, I literally do not know what I would do without you,” Cremente said on the show. “I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”
“That means so much to me, Nicole,” she responded.
