Name: Clara Glueck
Age: 23
Hometown: Houston, TX
School: Lambuth University
Major/Minor: Sociology/Religion
Site/s where you have served: Wesley Rankin
Q: Why did you want to serve full-time as a PT intern?
What struck my interest to become a PT intern was that I would be helping youth that were at risk to be in gangs, use drugs, drink alcohol and so on. My passion in life is to help youth with their struggles through life, especially those who are in the most danger of going to jail or possibly dying at a young age. I knew that once I became involved in PT that I would be able to help youth, not only in a physical or emotional way but also in a spiritual way.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned from working with underserved children/youth?
To not take anything or anyone for granted and to never lose hope. One of the most rewarding things this summer was to watch the growth of the Wesley Rankin youth. At first I was very impatient and didn’t understand why they wouldn’t listen to me when I would ask them to do something. After a few weeks the youth really started to open up and reveal their true selves to me and the rest of my team. I learned to never lose hope in someone no matter how hopeless they may seem at first.
Q: How has PT affected your faith journey?
What is so wonderful about PT is that it takes the hard lessons in life and throws God in it. PT has truly helped me to believe in things that you can’t see or understand, to trust that God is helping you impact the life of others even when it may seem impossible.
Q: How has your experience with PT helped you to better understand your gifts and your calling?
When I first began at PT, I was looking to work with kids in high school but after working with the Wesley Rankin youth, I realized how much I wanted to work with Jr. high kids. My biggest gift is that I have a better understanding of encouragement. Sometimes days are hard and sometimes they seem like things will never get better but with just a little hope and the slightest encouragement can help turn the world around.
Q: What is your favorite part of the Project Transformation experience?
Wow, it’s hard to choose a favorite part! I loved waking up every morning knowing that I was going to go and help the lives of the youth at Wesley Rankin. I loved every aspect of it: planning our days with the youth, going to the site and being with them. Everything was a blessing and I will not forget any of it!
Q: What are your future vocational plans and how has PT helped to shape or clarify those plans?
I’m going to be attending University of Houston next year to get my masters in social work. I’m really excited and ready to see where that leads me. PT has clarified my future plans by showing me the age group I want to work with. As of right now I’m planning on working with Jr. High age kids, especially young girls, to help them improve their self esteem and grow confidence in themselves so that they conquer anything.
Q: What have you learned from living with other young adults in such a diverse Christian community?
I learned so much from the people I lived with this summer, especially my roommate, Jessica! Not only did I learn how to live a stronger life for God but I also learned new ways to help others. We learned from one another last summer, from new ideas to use with your youth to everyday life lessons. I made a lot of friends over the summer; ones that I can say will help strengthen my relationship with God.
Q: What advice would you give to a young adult who is interested in serving as a PT intern?
I would tell them to open themselves up to new experiences, to take a leap of faith and come experience a life changing summer at Project Transformation.