Teen Mania has had a huge impact on my life. While there, I saw myself grow up from a young girl to a woman. I look back and remember how immature and naive I was my first few months at the Honor Academy, but as time moved on I truly grew into a woman who loved God and loved others deeply and maturely.
I worked in the Global Expedition Department where I called teens and encouraged them to go on mission trips. My job was amazing. I can tell you story after story of how God had his hand on the many kids that I called. I learned to pray and pour my energy into helping these teens change their lives and meet God in other countries. A few of the people I reached through Global Expeditions ended up coming to the Honor Academy and going on multiple mission trips.
My Core was an amazing group of girls and I put so much of my energy and love into my roommates. To this day (7-8 years later) we are still friends. The relationships I built through Teen Mania have changed my life.
I ended up staying a second year at Teen Mania as a Leadership Professional where I met my husband. All of my closest friends are people I met at Teen Mania and people I stay in close contact on a regular basis.
(you may include this part if you want). I have heard people who have left Teen Mania frustrated or not satisfied with their experience there. I think that if you go to Teen Mania expecting it to heal you from all past hurts and issues you will be left unsatisfied. The Honor Academy is a leadership school that teaches you basics on leadership, pursuing God, pushing yourself physically, and learning important job skills. Typically, interns will also make long lasting friendships and that is a huge bonus. I know of many people who were healed from past hurts but it was not the main focus of the Honor Academy and their mission to raise leaders.
I love what Teen Mania has to offer young adults and I encourage every intern to make the most of every moment they have there! It is an opportunity of a life time.
I have since graduated with my AA in Liberal Arts and my BA in International Communications. I have worked for non-profits ever since Teen Mania. Teen Mania made me realize my love for other cultures and my joy of working for a good cause.