Spotlight on Amanda Seymour:

A Project SEARCH Intern Making Strides at Mass General Cooley Dickinson Hospital

At neba, we are incredibly proud to highlight the journey of Amanda Seymour, one of our outstanding Project SEARCH interns currently thriving at Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Cooley) in Northampton. Amanda’s dedication, attention to detail, and multifaceted talents are just a few of the reasons why she is such an asset to both Project SEARCH and her department.

A Journey of Learning and Growth

Amanda is currently in the second of her three internships as part of the Project SEARCH program. For this rotation, she’s working in Central Sterile, an integral department responsible for preparing surgical tools and materials. Her role involves reading detailed pull sheets and gathering the necessary instruments for surgeries—a task that demands precision and focus. Amanda has done an excellent job so far, ensuring that all materials are assembled correctly, and remarkably, she has yet to make any mistakes! This accomplishment speaks volumes about her ability to handle a demanding, meticulous task and stay organized under pressure.
Amanda’s attention to detail doesn’t stop in the workplace. She has shown incredible discipline and dedication, even while balancing her passion for theater. Despite the busy schedule of her internship, she’s been rehearsing for her role as Cordelia in King Lear—one of the most iconic roles in Shakespeare's work. Her love for the theater adds another layer to her personality, demonstrating her creative talents and versatility.

Project SEARCH: A Comprehensive Internship Experience

Project SEARCH provides young adults with disabilities a structured internship experience, combining hands-on work experience with classroom education. Amanda's day-to-day routine is built around learning, growing, and gaining real-world skills. The program consists of classroom instruction from 9–10 am, followed by a 4-hour internship from 10 am to 2 pm, and concludes with another hour of class from 2 pm to 3 pm. This rigorous schedule—6 hours a day, Monday through Friday—enables Amanda and her peers to acquire valuable work experience while continuing their education.
As part of her internship in Central Sterile, Amanda has been required to wear a uniform and take extra precautions to maintain the sterile environment. This includes wearing shoe covers and a hairnet, ensuring that all tools and materials are kept clean and ready for surgery. The level of responsibility in this department is high, as each tool must be properly identified, gathered, and prepared before being sent for cleaning and sterilization. Additionally, Amanda has helped with stocking utility carts with necessary equipment and materials for the hospital wards, further expanding her skills in the healthcare setting.

A Personal Journey of Independence

Sometimes it's hard for Amanda to jump into a new chapter, and she recognizes that she needs assistance in taking the steps to achieve a life goal like driving or working. She took driving lessons from a professional driving instructor to help her prepare for her road test, and with their help, she earned her driver's license a year and a half ago. Now, Amanda confidently drives herself around without any help.
When she felt ready to take the next step and get a job, Amanda reached out for help in seeking job training—and was recommended to try Project SEARCH. "I like Project SEARCH because it has helped me prepare for working in a professional environment without the stress and pressure as a first-time employee," she says. It has given her the resources and experience that she felt she needed to begin working in a professional workplace.

A Passion for Theater and the Arts

Outside of her internship, Amanda is a passionate theater enthusiast who actively participates in community theater. In the past six months, she has performed in Catch Me If You Can, a Shakespeare play (currently rehearsing for King Lear), and Guys and Dolls. These performances reflect Amanda’s creativity and love for the arts. Beyond acting, she also takes voice lessons and has a soft, lovely voice that adds depth to her performances.
Her commitment to theater is an excellent example of her ability to balance professional work and personal passions. Amanda is living proof that with dedication and a strong work ethic, one can excel in both creative and professional pursuits.

What’s Next for Amanda?
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While Amanda has already proven herself in her role at Cooley, she’s not yet decided whether she wants to pursue a long-term career in Central Sterile. If she chooses to continue in this field, there is the opportunity for further certification. The certification process involves obtaining a book, studying it, and taking an exam to become officially certified in the field. While Amanda is still considering her future career path, it’s clear that she has the determination to succeed in whatever she sets her mind to.
Amanda’s growth throughout the Project SEARCH program highlights the incredible impact of hands-on, real-world training combined with a supportive educational environment. Whether in the sterile department or on the stage, Amanda Seymour is a shining example of hard work, creativity, and perseverance.