Hey y’all! My name is Mimi Yarbrough. I’m from Greenville, South Carolina and a rising sophomore at Sewanee: The University of the South. Although I haven’t been interning with Preston Taylor Ministries long, it has quickly become a special place in my heart. I can’t find words to describe how amazing this organization is. How passionate every member of the staff is about what they do, and don’t forget all the wonderful things PTM has done and is doing for members of our community. Upon receiving this internship, I was thrilled! I now have the opportunity to spend a summer in Nashville, spreading God’s love, learning from my peers, and growing not only individually, but also spiritually. I mean, what could be better, right? Well, the answer to that is easy: PTM. After being here only 2 weeks, I can sincerely tell you that PTM has exceeded every expectation I had. When asked to come on board as a summer intern I did not know that I would also be invited to join a fellowship with the staff. They have some of the most amazing hearts I have ever encountered. My primary role at PTM is Assistant Program Director, so a lot of my responsibilities are behind the scenes. Therefore, I have the privilege of working in close quarters at PTM Wilson’s Center with a large portion of staff members, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Their infectious personalities, kind hearts, and overwhelming love for the Lord makes my job everything but a job. I have already learned so much from my peers, and I’m thrilled I have the rest of the summer to learn more. I don’t think there’s a right or specific word to describe the work environment at PTM, but believe me when I tell you, it’s the best work environment I’ve ever experienced. We spend our days not only working hard, but also laughing, being silly, and truly letting God’s light shine through our hearts.

Two days a week, I also have the opportunity to work with middle school students. Mr. Dwight gives the best pep talks, and encourages me in this role, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. I am able to plan fun and exciting enrichment activities that the children enjoy. Although our time together is limited, but I strive to make it as fun, educational, and memorable for them as possible. I’m looking forward to my remaining weeks with the middle-schoolers. To not only form better, lasting relationships with them, but to also encourage them, support them, and love them. At PTM, one of our missions is to guide our students to find joy-filled friendships, but my time here has taught that the mission goes beyond just our students. In only two weeks, I have formed some amazing, joy-filled friendships that I am confident will always be an important aspect of my life, just like PTM.