Intern Appreciation Day

Where did you go to school?
I graduated from California Baptist University in December of 2015.
What was your major?
Public Relations
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in Pennsylvania, but my parents and I moved to California 2 years ago.
Why did you sign up to intern at the Joni and Friends International Disability Center?
This is a simple question that has a loaded answer. I’ve been connected with Joni and Friends since I was 11. We lived in Pennsylvania and became very connected with the Greater Philadelphia office. After seeing all the support that Joni and Friends gives, a lot of which my family were the recipients of because I was born with cerebral palsy, I wanted an opportunity to give back. I’ve also always thought that it would be an incredible learning experience! I really wanted to understand the inner workings of the ministry and all that goes into its success. Being someone that hasn’t had a ton of work experience, I felt Joni and Friends would be a wonderful place to learn and grow.
What do you hope to learn from your internship?
EVERYTHING I POSSIBLY CAN! I am so excited! I feel like there is so much I don’t know about what it takes to run a non-profit. Also, I want to learn more about my skills and how God might have me use them. I have truly appreciated being in an environment where I can do tasks at a pace that works for me. I am learning that I have skills that I didn’t know I had and that having to do something at a slower pace doesn’t mean you’re bad at it. I have only been here two weeks and my world has gotten so much bigger. Things are getting me excited that I never thought would get me excited.
How would you like to be serving in 5 years?
If I am being honest, I would love to serve with Joni and Friends. With that being said, I am aware that God may have other plans. I am doing my best to remain open to his path and not become too stuck in my own desires. He knows me best. I see that even with this internship, being given the opportunity to try new things. What has transpired is better than I could have ever imagined and ultimately my desire is to serve Him in whatever way He wants.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
My favorite color, pink, has been the same for my entire life.
Favorite worship song(s):
I can’t possibly pick one so here are three of my favorites:
- Our God – Chris Tomlin
- Forever – Kari Jobe
- Keep Making Me – Sidewalk Prophets
Will you help us appreciate Kelsie today? Please leave her a note of encouragement! And if you’d like to find out more about interning at Joni and Friends, please visit our Internships page.



