We are pleased to introduce a new blog series on Go International.tv called Then & Now. In each edition of Then & Now we will hear directly from alumni of the Go Internship to learn how they have taken their experience at Go and applied it in their current life. In this first edition it is only appropriate that we start with our very first intern, Lauren Palomares.
Lauren began interning at Go long before she was Mrs. Palomares, in fact she was a 17 year old high school senior who interned with us before we even had an official program. She would go on to become a Go Intern, Go Apprentice, and eventually worked on staff with us for three years as the director of short term missions. It has been our honor to watch her grow over the years, and we have truly enjoyed our many adventures together around the globe!
Then & Now: Life Lessons From Go Internship by Lauren Palomares
The five years I spent at Go International were some of the most fun and impactful of my life. During my time there, I spent two years as an intern and three as a staff member coordinating the summer mission trips. It was a completely unforgettable experience and I am often amazed at all that I learned and was able to be a part of while I was there.
Last October, I moved to Orlando to marry the love of my life and start our journey in a new city. Since being here, I’ve taken a job at Marilyn Monroe Spas, a start up company that plans to launch new spa concepts in the USA as well as internationally. The company was started by a couple of well known names in business, and to be honest, I was a little unsure of where I would find my place in it. I didn’t have any training in spas specifically, other than of course the occasional pampering!
As I began my journey in this new job, I realized that my training at Go International did not only equip me with the skills to plan mission trips, but also how to start things in general. Sitting in our preliminary meetings around the boardroom table with executives much older than myself, I felt totally comfortable and couldn’t help but think “This reminds me so much of Go!” I am amazed at how many professional skills I developed by being a part of the organization. While working at Go I learned graphic design, computer programs, creative thinking, and what it takes to coordinate and complete a project. I daily apply these skills along with the life experiences I gained during my time at Go International to my new job. Since starting at Marilyn Monroe Spas in May, I’ve found my niche working with our design team to create the look and feel of the spas, as well as being a part of the marketing and brainstorming meetings.
I am very thankful that Greg and Christa spent so much time teaching me one-on-one while allowing me to manage projects and learn from experience. They truly empowered and equipped me to do anything I set my mind to. One of my favorite quotes that Greg always said was “The difference between people who do big things in life and those who don’t is that they actually go out and do them.” This has always challenged me to not settle for mediocrity, but to be intentional about chasing and achieving my dreams.
Be sure to check out the fashion blog by Go Alumni, Lauren Palomares and Lindsey Clark, at coasttocoastchallenge.wordpress.com
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