Maggie McKay (Host): Today, Justin Cermonero, Project SEARCH intern, will fill us in on what he does and what Project SEARCH is all about at St. Joseph Hospital. Welcome to Wellness First, a St. Joseph Hospital podcast, where we hear and learn directly from the experts on all things health and wellness.

I'm your host, Maggie McKay. Justin, thank you for joining us today.

Justin Cermenaro: Thank you. Thanks for having me.

Host: Absolutely. Would you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with Project SEARCH?

Justin Cermenaro: Yes, I would love to. Thanks for asking. My name is Justin Cermenaro. I live in Merrimack, New Hampshire with my my mom and dad. I attend the Cotting School, which is in Lexington, Mass., where I learned different jobs such as working on the radio station, the lady clinic, and the Upper Crust Pizzeria, and Meals on Wheels.

And after graduating from Cotting, my parents talked about Project  SEARCH with me and it, actually sounded interesting. I came to St. Joseph Hospital for a tour and interview and that is how I joined Project  SEARCH.

Host: And what is Project  SEARCH, Justin? How does it work at St. Joseph Hospital?

Justin Cermenaro: Project  SEARCH is a 10-month, job training program where students will be doing three different internships for 10 weeks each to learn about job skills. We have career trainers working with us. And classroom time. After graduating, they'llhelp you get a job and support you in that job.

Host: That's amazing. So you train for a certain job during that time?

Justin Cermenaro: Yes. Mm hmm.

Host: What types of jobs and tasks have you been involved with during your internship?

Justin Cermenaro: Right now, I am finishing my first rotation in volunteer services. I am responsible for delivering the mail throughout the hospital and picking up any outgoing mail. And I say hello to everyone I see along the way, as well, and ask how their day is going. I also, change copies of the daily prayers throughout the hospital, and after that, I help with other uh, special projects. I'm hoping to work in the Laundry Department or Materials Management for my second rotation.

Host: It sounds like you have a lot of responsibilities. I mean, the mail alone at a hospital, that's got to be a lot of mail for all those people.

Justin Cermenaro: Yeah, it's a lot of mail, in. Definitely.

Host: How has your experience at St. Joseph Hospital helped you develop new skills?

Justin Cermenaro: I've learned communication skills and how to make sure that the mail goes in the right slot.

Host: Justin, can you share a memorable moment or a highlight from your time in the program so far?

Justin Cermenaro: I am enjoying the program and making new friends. One highlight was having the opportunity to speak in front of the hospital's leadership meeting, a monthly meeting of all senior staff members.

Host: Was that nerve wracking?

Justin Cermenaro: No, I, I, no.

Host: You're a natural public speaker, I guess.

Well, you're lucky. That's good. Cause most people are like, ah. What kind of support and training have you received through Project  SEARCH?

Justin Cermenaro: A lot of helpful information. We have like three Project  SEARCH teachers and career trainers that work with us in the classroom and in our internships. They teach us how to do our jobs, help us problem solve, and give us independence. I also have natural supports. People in the department that I can go to if I need help.

Host: That's awesome. It sounds like they've got everything covered. How do you feel this internship has prepared you for future employment opportunities?

Justin Cermenaro: To get more comfortable and be more prepared. I also learned the main management how to follow a route, social skills, organizing and problem skills.

Host: That's a lot of good things to learn. You mentioned earlier you worked at a radio station. What did you do there?

Justin Cermenaro: Oh, we talked about different topics of the radio, topics on what happened like last weekend or this upcoming weekend. We also get, to play our favorite music.

Host: That's awesome! What advice would you give to other young adults considering joining Project SEARCH? Or thinking about it.

Justin Cermenaro: So my advice is you will learn a lot and get more skills. You will also have fun and make new friends. Project  SEARCH is great.

Host: Justin, thank you so much for sharing your experience. We really appreciate your time today.

Justin Cermenaro: You're welcome. Thanks for having me.

Maggie McKay (Host): Absolutely. Again, that's Justin Cermenaro. To learn more, please visit stjosephhospital.com/projectsearch. And if you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels and check out our entire podcast library for topics of interest to you.

I'm Maggie McKay. Thanks for listening to Wellness First, a podcast from St. Joseph Hospital.