Where Listening, Care, and Compassion Meet
When asked about the most significant part of her internship, Amishi didn’t point to a project; she pointed to the people. “I think the most beneficial thing I did during my time here is talking and meeting people and hearing their stories. I think that is really important.” And perhaps that is the lesson Amishi will carry with her the longest.
When Amishi Singla began her internship at Bell, she arrived with a growing interest in public health and a desire to understand the local resources that help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Amishi is earning her bachelor’s degree from Emory University, where she is majoring in Biology and Anthropology.
“With my interest in public mental health, it was perfect that I found Bell. I wanted to see what we have in York to boost people’s wellness,” Amishi shared.
During her time at Bell, Amishi was in our New Beginnings Program and at the Drop-In.
“I spent time sitting in groups, talking with the clients, and observing. As people got to know me and I became more comfortable, I started helping clients with things like reading and filling in for groups.”
She also completed personal medicine cards and created a survey for clients at the Drop-In to learn more about the activities they enjoy and what they would like to do in the future.
“It has been really nice talking with clients and seeing what they value and what they want.”
Those conversations became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.
Through them, she began to see wellness from a different perspective—not just as something connected to medicine, but as something created in the community.
“I learned a lot at Bell, but I think the biggest thing is that care can be just as important as medicine. Having people who are there for you, a community, and someone to listen are all valuable. As a society, we need more of these things.”
For Amishi, that realization strengthened her belief in the importance of prevention.
Her experience showed her that prevention can take many forms. It can mean having access to resources, building supportive relationships, or finding a community where you feel welcomed and valued.
Amishi was not only learning from the people she met at Bell. She was sharing a part of herself, too.
Growing up practicing Indian dance, Amishi had the opportunity during her internship to lead a group and introduce clients to different styles of dance from India.
For the clients, it was an opportunity to experience something new. For Amishi, it was a reminder that wellness can be found in creativity and connection.
Her internship also gave Amishi a greater appreciation for the services offered at Bell.
“I was so amazed by how many services are provided. It is incredible.”
But beyond the services themselves, the people and the sense of community left a lasting impression.
“I have taken many things away from this experience. From learning how a nonprofit runs and what services it provides, to seeing how Bell fosters such a good community. Everyone I met here has been amazing and welcoming, and everyone is willing to help each other out.”
Amishi’s time at Bell has helped reinforce the future she is building.
She plans to earn a master’s degree in public health before attending medical school. Ultimately, she hopes to bring both worlds together, working directly with people while also contributing to policies and larger systems that can improve health and well-being.
Looking toward the future, Amishi says, “We will see where life takes me.”
When asked about the most significant part of her internship, Amishi did not point to a project. She pointed to the people.
“I think the most beneficial thing I did during my time here is talking and meeting people and hearing their stories. I think that is really important.”
And perhaps that is the lesson Amishi will carry with her the longest.
She came to Bell hoping to learn more about public health and the resources available in her community. Along the way, she discovered that sometimes, helping people become healthier begins with taking the time to see them, hear them, and connect with them.
We are incredibly grateful that Amishi chose to spend part of her journey with us. She brought compassion, energy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn, and in return, she became part of the Bell community.
We know that wherever her journey takes her next, Amishi will continue to lead with care, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference.