My name is Talia Rennert and I am a Psychology major and Disability Studies minor at the University of Delaware, and I am graduating this spring (don’t remind me). I sought out an internship with Lori’s Hands this winter session as an opportunity to do more of what I love: help people who may need some extra support in their lives because of a disability or illness.
From when I was young and seeing both of my parents love their jobs in the helping fields, I knew that I also wanted to help people. Before Lori’s Hands, I have mainly worked with children and college-aged students with disabilities, while occasionally volunteering at a senior center. Along with pursuing a career focused on helping individuals with disabilities (I am currently looking at graduate programs in occupational therapy), it is important to me to have hobbies that consist of helping others, whether that be volunteering at local centers or helping out a friend in need. Selfless acts like these keep people happy and bring compassion to the world. I witnessed this first hand when I met with an outstanding and kindhearted client.
The first week or two that I met with her, she told me all about her current life and her experiences going to a local senior center twice a week. When she goes, she brings her “pet” puppy, a stuffed animal dog that is voice and touch activated. He knows the voice of his owner, and turns his head when someone speaks. When someone pets him, he can wag his tail and bark. This brings light and joy to so many of the senior center participants, especially ones with dementia, who don’t understand that the dog is just a stuffed animal. Though my client visits the senior center to access various services to support her health and independence, she is always sure to bring in her dog to share its unconditional love with others. She loves seeing others experience joy and cheerfulness that they may not get anytime else.
While I have been able to help others through this experience, I have also been able to see how selfless and supportive my client is. Even if she hasn’t been feeling well, she still tries to put others first and pay it forward. She is someone I will always look up to and appreciate, which is why I am so grateful for Lori’s Hands and this opportunity that has been given to me these past few weeks.
Talia Rennert-Ariev
University of Delaware, ‘20
Psychology major, Disability Studies minor
