Meet Elvis

July 1, 2016

Hi there! My name is Elvis Nguyen. I am a rising junior attending Lipscomb University. I work at Preston Taylor Ministries as the Special Projects coordinator at the St. Luke’s Community House location. A little run down of my job is I coordinate trips and activities with the directors and try to make it happen, I create flyers, brochures, permission slips for events that are happening at the community house, and I also create campaigns that get sent out to bring in volunteers. Since PTM at St. Luke’s just opened up this Summer, my history with PTM is still in the making. Before Preston Taylor Ministries at St. Luke’s, it was Youth Encouragement Services (Y.E.S.). I grew up at Y.E.S. and then ended up working there so that organization has very special place in my heart. When I heard that the program was shutting down and PTM was coming in to pick up where Y.E.S. left off, I was devastated. I was already planning to leave soon just because I wanted a job that could help further my career in Marketing and Sales. A few weeks later, the soon to be site director, Lisa Lentz, reached out to me and my co-worker Deondre Green for jobs at the new program because of our history with the site and previous program. I had some time to think about it and despite already considering leaving to get another job, I knew this was a good opportunity to further my career. I was not ready to leave these kids I worked with and I grew up with.

I ended up taking the job and so far, I love it. The change is hard, but it really isn’t what I want and expect, it’s the kids. As long as the kids feel like home, feel safe, and have a fun, all is good. PTM and just any organization like these definitely will leave a mark on you. PTM has shown me that these kids need a place and organization like this and get away from whatever their situation is at home to just have an escape more than I realized. PTM has shown me that God’s love are places just like PTM and the people who work and intern there. I am truly blessed to work with these kids and be a part of a great program. Some highlights and moments so far of the summer are really just small things like just talking with kids I know, meeting new kids, planning great activities and trips, and also even tagging along with the kids! A specific favorite moment has to be during a middle school canoeing/kayaking trip where I had to canoe with a one of the students and the finding out that he didn’t know how to steer! That experience was memorable because I almost drowned because I had to get out of the canoe and walked the rest of the way. We were the last ones behind and while I was walking, I randomly just dropped straight into the water! Luckily someone came and saved us both! It was a great trip with a memorable ending. Summer programming is almost over but there will definitely more great times and memories to come.

“If you can travel anywhere, where would it be and why?” — This question is always hard because I literally want to travel anywhere. If I had to choose one answer, it would be a tour of Europe. Europe has some of the greatest views and food I have ever seen.

< Older Post Newer Post >