Name: Courtney Aldrich
Age: 21
Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee
School: Western Kentucky University
Major/Minor: Social Work/ Non Profit Administration
Site/s where you have served: Trinity UMC
Q: Why did you want to serve full-time as a PT intern?
A: While looking for a summer social service internship, I was curious when Project Transformation popped up on my Google search. Immediately, I was impressed with the goals of the organization, as it sought to build relationships through community. And I knew I wanted to be part of it.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned from working with underserved youth?
A: In working with my kids for the past two summers, I learned to just be. As a college student who is constantly trying to figure things out and come up with a plan, I was quickly reminded by the kids of what joy looks like. They do not have five-year plans, or even this week’s to-do list. They’re full of enthusiasm, full of questions, and full of silliness and laughter. They love unconditionally, forgetting transgressions two minutes after they occurred. It is in that love that we, the interns, find the biggest blessings of our summer.
Q: How has PT affected your faith journey?
A: By focusing God at the center of our summer, PT challenged me to find Jesus in every face, every challenge, every triumph. And, with my team’s help, I did. This continues to serve as inspiration.
Q: How has your experience with PT helped you to better understand your gifts and your calling?
A: Over my past two summers at the Denison site, as I worked intimately with my team to shed some light into the lives of our kids, PT has revealed to me my gifts of encouragement and leadership. The experience has re-confirmed my calling as a social worker and developed within me a passion for working with rural families.
Q: What is your favorite part of the Project Transformation experience?
A: There are the milk spills, the infamous games of stop light tag, and the impressive popsicle stick houses. There are the late nights, the early mornings, and the countless cups of caffeine. But, my Project Transformation experience cannot be defined by any of these things, but instead by the relationships that were made in between. It is these relationships—with the children, with the families, with the site church, and with the other interns—that continue to bless me on a daily basis.
Q: What are your future vocational plans and how has PT helped to shape or clarify those plans?
A: PT’s emphasis on ministry exploration obliterated my misconception that vocational ministry solely occurs in a pulpit or in a Third World village. As Christians, we are all called to live a life of service, incorporating ministry no matter what the profession. While at PT, I committed myself to a live a life of ministry to others, as I felt God was calling me. As a social work major, with a degree in non profit administration, I want to help people. Whether that is through the church or a non profit organization, I am still discerning.
Q: What is the most important thing you will take away from serving through Project Transformation?
A: I leave Project Transformation overflowing with treasured memories, genuine laughter and new friendships. But more so, I leave Project Transformation with new awe for the power of God when Christians prayerfully listen and collaborate.
Q: What advice would you give to a young adult who is interested in serving as a PT intern?
A: Do it! You are in for the most crazy, fun, exciting, chaotic, yet beautiful summer of your life. You will be stretched in every way possible, challenged to the extreme, but blessed beyond belief.