In the second of two articles about Shepherd Community Center’s 2023 interns, we asked the students about their experiences serving at Shepherd. Here are their answers:

Genesis Mendez

From Indianapolis; she attends Taylor University.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Genesis: I am a returning intern; I came back because I missed the children.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Genesis: To grow as a person and educator.

Q. What did you learn as an intern? Genesis: Long lasting friendships, more experience in the classroom, and the importance of sharing the Gospel with children.

Dakota Boyle

From Boston; he attends Eastern Nazarene College.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Dakota: I chose to intern at Shepherd because I had the opportunity to connect with Kenny. When I told him I wanted to grow in my call of children’s ministry, he told me that I would fit in well at Shepherd and to apply.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Dakota: I was told to come to Shepherd and be connected with Christ, and that’s what I strived to do.

Q. What did you learn/gain from interning? Dakota: I learned how to have emotional control and understanding further than I already realized, which has been super beneficial. I have grown in my understanding of the ministry of presence and how to love unconditionally. I have grown in my understanding of myself and who God has called me to be. I have learned so much of my identity.

Miguel Salcedo

From Indianapolis; he attends Taylor University.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Miguel: To give back to the program that helped with my scholarship.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Miguel: Gaining the experience for working with kids.

Q. What did you learn as an intern? Miguel: Different teaching methods for each child. I learned that being a teacher can be fun and sometimes hard.

Hannah-Lizzy Metcalf

From Maryville, Tenn.; she attends Maryville College

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Hannah-Lizzy: It was a perfect opportunity for me personally and academically.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Hannah-Lizzy: I expected to have an awesome time (which I did) and come away from the summer with deep lasting friendships.

Q. What did you learn as an intern? Hannah-Lizzy: I learned a lot about how to put my teacher training into practice.

Allana Preston

From Indianapolis; she attends Lawrence North High School.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Allana: Because I love the mission of Shepherd and the things that they do for the community.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Allana: Growing with God, maturing, and learning a new way to serve.

Q. What did you learn as an intern? Allana: Relationships with others who love Jesus and a way to continue my future.

Paige Parks

From Indianapolis; she attends Indiana Wesleyan University.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Paige: So I could go to school and work in the field I’m studying at the same time.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Paige: I didn’t have a lot of expectations other than I was working with kids.

Q. What did you learn as an intern? Paige: How to live and thrive with my peers, how to make mistakes and grow from them instead of being defined by them, and how to build boundaries with my students but still love them at the same time.

Ashley Marcum

From Noblesville, Ind.; she attends Indiana Wesleyan University.

Q. Why did you choose to intern at Shepherd? Ashley: The doors opened, and I just felt that it was what God wanted me to do.

Q. What were your expectations of interning at Shepherd? Ashley: I don’t think I had many expectations coming in. I felt that God was leading me here, and I was really just trusting Him through the whole process. I think my expectation was just that I wanted to see God move.

Q. What did you learn/gain from interning? Ashley: I learned a lot about who God is and how he loves and works through people. He really showed me that he does not live in the box I try to put him in. I also learned now that the only way I can truly love others and teach is to rely on God’s strength and his love. I think I built a lot of skills that I will carry into the rest of my life.