The Touch A Life Summer Collegiate Internship program is underway! Six college students from around the country have been working on programs, parties, and product development as they prepare for an 18-day trip to Ghana this July. Keep reading to learn more about each of our interns. They will be contributing to our Care Center blog throughout their trip, so check back later this month!
Emily Sherrill
My name is Emily Sherrill, and I am from Jonesboro, Arkansas. I am currently a sophomore nursing major at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.
I love to travel, play sports, and read. Most of my favorite books are missionary autobiographies, which inspire me to continue pursuing Christ and follow the dream He has laid on my heart. After graduating college, I would love to either be a medical missionary to Africa or travel the world as a disaster relief nurse.
I have known about Touch A Life for many years now and am excited for the opportunity to work with them in Ghana this summer! While I have been to Africa twice in the past few years, this will be my first time to visit Ghana! I am looking forward to learning more about this new culture and loving on the beautiful people of this country.
Faith Garrett
My name is Faith Garrett, and I am from Hot Springs, AR. I am currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville studying Nursing.
I am excited for my trip to Ghana because I am finally getting to answer God’s calling for me to go to Africa, after three years of waiting. I cannot wait to meet all the kids and staff at the Care Center and to see what God has in store for this trip, the amazing relationships that are to be built, and the memories that will be made.
Maggie Sparks
Maggie Sparks, originally from Nashville, is currently studying at the University of Tennessee. Her major is Economics and hopes to move onto law school upon graduation. Her passion for missions has led her to wanting to become a prosecutor and serve justice upon human rights and international affairs. The biggest thing she is excited about this summer is the opportunity to build new relationships.
I am the most excited about forming relationships with these kids and the people a part of this wonderful organization. When we form relationships with others, it is what motivates us to work for the specific needs of others. When seeing our tasks in this light, we are motivated to help make a difference because of the names and faces that pop up in our mind. We think of their personalities and smiles, rather than a fictional character we paint in our mind to try and keep up our passions.
Megan Youtsey
My name is Megan Youtsey. I am 22 years old from Joplin, Missouri, and attend college at Missouri Southern State University. I am a senior studying Psychology and plan to get my masters degree in counseling.
I come from a large family that loves to be outside. I love to go camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking! I also like to listen to music, read, and most of all, travel! I have been a bartender at Ruby Tuesday for four years. I spend most of my time with friends or my kitty, Hermione!
I am so looking forward to being in Ghana. I can’t wait to build relationships with the staff, children, and the other interns. I am thankful for this life changing opportunity!
Samantha Peinado
My name is Samantha Peinado. I currently live in Austin Texas but I grew up in Dallas. I am a senior at The University of Texas at Austin. I am studying Sociology with a minor in Spanish.
I have always been passionate about working with children, traveling the world, and experiencing new and different cultures. I can’t wait to work as an intern for Touch A Life in July!
Zoe Besser
My name is Zoe Besser and I attend the University of Colorado – Boulder. I am studying elementary education and sociology. Growing up I attended an all girls summer camp that had an emphasis on the great outdoors. My experiences there have helped me realize my passion for children, my passion for learning, and my passion for adventure. I can not wait to put these things together in Ghana.
I am working on an individual teaching project in which I will compile lessons, crafts, and games to do with the children. The purpose of my project is to keep the children thinking, learning, and having fun during the summer. I am excited to meet the children and watch them grow as learners and individuals, but I am most excited to learn the wonderful things that they will teach me.