(NewsNation) — The first person to receive the Neuralink brain implant shared with NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” that since the chip was implanted a year ago, his life has improved beyond measure.

Prior to the implant, Noland Arbaugh was unable to be left alone for half an hour; now, he reports that he can enjoy online chess and manage other day-to-day activities, despite having become paralyzed following a diving accident in 2016.

Arbaugh says he can write an email by simply using thought.

“I have cursor control, so I can access my email, navigate … I don’t have to verbalize anything. I simply think about clicking, and it clicks as I intend. Afterward, I either use dictation or employ a virtual keyboard on my computer to type whatever I wish to communicate.”

Man with brain chip spends time traveling, speaking about Neuralink

Arbaugh says he has had few issues in the year since receiving the implant and can now read books on his own.

“I was an avid reader before my accident, and reading books just kind of wasn’t very possible after my accident. I got stuck listening to audiobooks. And you know, those are hit or miss,” he said.

“I read all the time. Now it’s one of my favorite pastimes.”

Arbaugh now spends his time traveling and speaking about Neuralink, his faith and his personal journey, all while Neuralink continues to update the software.

He added: “From where we were at the beginning, it is massive improvements, and the more people that join the study, the better it’s going to get.”