When I joined Shore House in January of 2012 I wrote an essay on why I wanted to represent Shore House for the three-week colleague training at Fountain House. I was chosen by the membership and the board to do so. That was one of the best things to ever happen to me. I was the only representative from our Clubhouse at the training. I was excited and a bit nervous (but mostly excited) as I’d never stayed in New York City on my own for more than a few hours. I learned about the Clubhouse movement and why we have 36 (now 37) Standards. For those not familiar with the Clubhouse model, Standards are for member/ staff interactions- they are a code of conduct for staff and a bill of rights for members. More importantly, I learned about myself in those three weeks. I learned I could stand on my own and that my fellow colleagues in training loved me and applauded my ability to do so. I was a big asset to all. I was so respected that I was invited to help with future trainings at Fountain House. I brought back all that I learned about the history of the Clubhouse Movement to Shore House. With all I learned I am also starting to believe in myself more and more.