"My favorite experience would be being able to talk one-on-one with students about their life and praying with them while walking alongside them," stated Alex Lantz, a sophomore at West Chester University who is part of the internship program at The Parkesburg POINT youth center. "I (also) enjoy being in a Christian work environment and being able to serve others."

The POINT launched its official internship program in the summer of 2020, offering local young men and women, some of whom are alumni of The POINT, an opportunity to gain work experience by helping during programming and interacting with the youths who visit the center.

Last summer, the interns helped with The POINT's weekly food distributions when the youth center was closed because of the pandemic. Interns also helped distribute Christmas gifts to The POINT families during the holiday season.

Now that The POINT has opened its doors to welcome students once again, interns are able to meet with students in small groups,

Intern Travis Lankford, a student at Delaware County Community College who is studying childhood education, learned about the internship program from Dwayne Walton, executive director, while Walton was preaching at Brandywine Grace Church, Downingtown. "I felt God calling me to take the job, and I've been here since September of 2020," Lankford reported.

Several of the interns shared that they are learning valuable lessons about how to identify with the youths, many of whom are coping with issues that have manifested during the pandemic.

"I've learned how kids manage their hurt. It's become easy to recognize the kids' pain and how they're expressing it," said Lankford. "I've learned how to be patient with kids and allow them to get upset and still correct and control situations."

"I have learned to be selfless and to view certain situations through other people's eyes," added intern Trevor High, a senior at Lancaster Bible College who is majoring in health and physical education.

Mainly, the interns said they enjoy interacting with the youths and staff members. "I enjoy just spending time with the kids and helping them grow," said High. "I also enjoy growing closer to God with my co-workers."

"Seeing the kids every day is such as blessing," Lankford added. "The co-workers I have in this community (are) a light in my daily life that means so much to me. God has blessed The POINT and myself for letting me be a part of it."

The Parkesburg POINT, 700 Main St., Parkesburg, serves youths ages 8 to 18 in the Octorara and Coatesville Area school districts. For more information about internship opportunities, readers may contact Amy Walton, program director and volunteer coordinator, at Amy@parkesburgpoint.com.

The POINT is currently open on Mondays through Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the facility is open to students in grades seven to 12. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for students in grades three through six. For more information, readers may visit http://www.facebook.com/parkesburg.point or http://www.parkesburgpoint.com or call 610-857-3393.