A lover of animals, Sophia Hrebluk would like to go to college and become a veterinary assistant.

After spending the school year in Licking Memorial Health Systems’ (LMHS) Project SEARCH program, she’s learned skills related to the medical field that could help her when she’s supporting furry patients,  and their families, in the future.

During her three internships — in Labor and Delivery, Environmental Services and the Radiology Department — Sophia has kept busy stocking supplies, cleaning patient rooms and putting papers in the printers. In Radiology, she’s especially enjoyed helping transport patients to the lobby.

“I like anything that keeps my feet busy,” she said. 

A student at Granville High School, Sophia decided to do Project SEARCH to get prepared for her future.

“I wanted to learn about working, what it’s like outside of high school and what adults do,” she said.

At their Project SEARCH graduation at the end of May, Sophia and the nine other interns will share what they’ve learned over the course of the year with their family and friends.

Wrapping up its tenth year in Licking County, Project SEARCH is a partnership between LMHS, the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Licking Regional Educational Service Center and Greenleaf Job Training Services. 

It offers young adults with disabilities the opportunity to spend an entire school year at LMHS — rotating through three internships — gaining the training and soft skills they need to transition from school to adult life.

Austin Carpenter, a student from Licking Heights High School, spent time interning in the Radiology Department, the Emergency Department and the Cardiology Department.

After graduation, he’s thinking about working at a childcare program but is open to other options, and is feeling confident about the future. 

“(Project SEARCH) has helped me gain a lot of skills,” he said. “I’ve learned how to do my taxes and pay bills.”

As graduation approaches, Sophia said she feels more confident talking about finances and living independently. She’s excited for her next steps, including pursuing her interest in photography.

“I’ve really enjoyed Project SEARCH,” she said. “I definitely would recommend it to anyone who needs help —  learning about life really.”