Before working at Hospitality House this summer, I didn’t have any idea what the phrase “brain training” meant. I’ve dedicated myself to a series of psychology courses revolving around the inner workings of the brain and the mind-body connection, and sure, I know that the brain is capable of magnificent things, but hearing of these changes first hand has shown to be much more powerful. During my time here, I’ve learned how the brain-training wellness system NeurOptimal (NO3) works to rewire neural pathways non-intrusively to help individuals manage a variety of stressors, but that’s the least of it. I learned directly how to interact with clients in individual and group, as well as professional and casual settings, and expanded on my ability to collect and evaluate data, speak publicly, create designs for community outreach, and more.
During my days at the shelter, I was lucky to spend time in my favorite place in the house - the kitchen. I’ve always had a love for cooking, and while a majority of my time here may have been spent plating rather than throwing things up on a stove, the connection between the kitchen staff, interns, and residents is all fostered by meals. Food brings people together, and I think that is a beautiful thing. Serving dinner gave me an opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of more residents than I worked with weekly through NeurOptimal, which made for a wonderful balance.
My service dog in training, George, spent some time with my NO3 clients as well, which turned out to be beneficial for everyone involved. It has been such a blessing watching colleagues, interns, and clients alike light up at the sight of a dog in the office, and I’m eternally grateful for Hospitality House for providing me with the perfect environment for a training service animal to work a few hours a week. George has learned a lot from his time here, as have I.
Hospitality House has taught me what it truly means to be part of a supportive community. As I speak with my repeating NO3 clients, they tell me the stories of their week - sometimes fun, sometimes difficult, but we share a laugh about it all the same. I’m grateful to have been able to work with therapists Jenna and Marianne, who have taught me so much about working and handling stress in a complex environment. I’ve enjoyed spending my time with clients and colleagues alike, and will miss the words of wisdom only those with so much life experience could give. I am constantly amazed by the optimistic attitudes of the clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and feel inspired to live my life a little more on the bright side after getting to know them. The only thing stronger than the brain is the heart - and both of mine have grown during my time at Hospitality House.
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