Hi my name is Kate Scarola and I will be a sophomore at Auburn University in the fall! Preston Taylor Ministries is such an incredible place and has always meant so much to my family and me. I feel very blessed by the opportunity to spend my summer here. Growing up, I would come every now and then to volunteer at the after school programs, do Angel Tree at Christmas time, or help work the Nativity store. Getting to have that time with the students and their families at PTM was wonderful and to share it with my family made it all the more special. However, I never felt like I got enough time at PTM or enough time getting to really know the students. I wanted to be able to learn and remember their names and have them do the same in return. I wanted to build those connections, though they may be small at first, that I never took the time to build. So, when Chan mentioned something to me about doing a summer internship with PTM, there was very little hesitation in saying yes! I then interviewed and learned soon after that I would have the amazing opportunity of working with Sara Horton, the advancement director. I knew that this is what God was calling me to do and how he wanted me to grow closer not only to the students and staff, but also to Him.

Being at PTM, it helps keep me humble and grounded. I get to see and interact with people everyday that I would not usually get to see. To be reminded that life is not always easy and that people who are struggling just need to see the love and support of God, PTM is a constant reminder of all the great things these children and youth can and will accomplish. Being around the staff and seeing their true passion for at-risk youth shows me what it really looks like to be called by the Lord and do His work. It is truly remarkable and I learn more and more from them each day. The students at PTM are so full of energy and though some days may be harder than others, I have learned from them to take each day as it comes and not take life too seriously. I have been impacted by PTM in so many ways and I feel like it is something new each day. God’s plan is so much greater than I can imagine, but I feel I get to see a glimpse into it everyday I walk through the doors of PTM.

The highlight of my day at PTM is when the children arrive to and leave from Wilson Center because they always stand outside my office and we get to talk about what they are doing that day and then how their day went. I love the little moments. My favorite moment from this summer was at Pickin’ and Grinnin’ when J’twan and Arkee performed their rap. They were so nervous but got up on stage and brought the house down. It was so much fun to watch them and hear them sing about how “God’s got us”; it was really special.

Lastly, if I could travel anywhere in the world it would be to Austria. There is so much history and beauty there, I am also a huge Sound of Music fan and want to do that tour.