Summer ‘22 Mill Village Ministries Youth
Youth apprentices at Mill Village Farms and Village Wrench have had an unbelievable summer working at Mill Village Ministries! Here are some highlights and personal quotes that have made this summer so formative and memorable:
Farm Work:
“Gaining literal work experience on the farm has made me ready to get my next job. Working on the farm has helped me to develop a strong work ethic to prepare me to work hard in my next position.”
Pushing Myself:
“I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone so many times. I’ve learned perseverance in the process! I had no idea how to use a weed whacker, but Rachel showed me how to use it, and it helped speed up the process of weeding one of our farm plots.”
Good Neighbor Boxes:
“I got to ride a bike through West Greenville and deliver fresh produce to our neighbors. It was fun making lemonade for them too. Through delivering GNB, I was able to see the direct impact of the work I am doing.”
Adulting 101:
“I didn’t know anything about financial credit. Now I know how to build credit responsibly and only spend the money I have. Understanding the difference between renting a house and buying a house has helped me better understand how I want to be financially prepared for the future.”
Pop Up Produce Markets:
“I’m a more confident salesperson, and I understand a little bit about business, too! Working the pop-up markets has helped develop my communication skills; I was nervous at first, but with more experience, I have become more comfortable and ready to practice customer service.”
Cooking:
“Miss Frances taught us how to make food flavorful with spices and how to make tacos. The week we baked cupcakes was my favorite. I was unsure about incorporating vegetables into my grilled cheese, but it was actually pretty good. I also did not think I would like meatless tacos, but they turned out to be better than I thought they would.”
College Campus Field Trips:
“I thought I wanted to go out of state, but I liked Clemson more than I thought. While I am not sure if I want to attend Clemson, touring a college opened my eyes to all the different majors I could have and what is required for a college application.”
Customer Service:
“I love greeting customers and being the first one to help them in the bike shop. In preparing for and practicing customer service, I feel more capable of communicating my story and the mission of Mill Village Farms.”
Meditation:
“I don’t know about that yoga, but I could keep practicing some mindfulness! I accidentally fell asleep during meditation, but I really enjoyed learning about how being present can contribute to happiness and success.”
Ice Cream!
“Happy Cow Creamery has the happiest cows, and the happiest ice cream too. The cows were a little smelly, but the ice cream was delicious!”
Understanding Self & Vocation:
“The place where my great joy and the world’s great need meet; I know more about myself, black history in Greenville, and where I fit in the world. I have begun to explore my interests and think about possible next jobs as well as what I can see myself doing as a career after high school.”
Friendship:
“I’m really close with the other girls on my crew now. I’m sad we’re going to different schools. Making friends on the farm helped me get through hot days of hard work.”