Interns With Impact 2024: Zach, Engineering Intern

Zach (left) chose to give his engineering skills toward the gospel. He and fellow Bonaire intern Ryan (right) explored the island while interning with TWR for the summer.

Joining us all the way from Grand Canyon University in Arizona, Zach joins TWR this summer as an engineering intern on Bonaire. His studies in mechanical and aerospace engineering have been helping him in his work with the Broadcast Operations team there. Zach will specifically be working on ground radial inspection and survey at the transmitter site.

Zach found out about TWR through GoCorps – an organization which works to place young missionaries where their skills are needed – and felt led to apply for a summer intern position.

“Honestly, in the grand scheme of everything, being here was a part of God’s plan for me, and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing,” Zach said. “I’m exactly where he wants me, doing exactly what he wants me to be doing. It doesn’t matter what I lose or miss out on because I’m focused on getting deeper with the Lord and following his call for my life.”

Q: What is the most challenging thing for you this summer?

Definitely the most challenging thing I’ve faced this summer has been missing all of my really close friends I have back home and at university and missing my churches. Honestly, life in general – I've really enjoyed being out here, but it’s super lonely. It’s a style of life I love but definitely am not ready to live yet.  

Q: What are you most excited to do during your internship, whether work or personal?

I’m really excited to finish our project; we have put a lot of hours and hard work into this, so it will be very rewarding when we have completed everything we can do here.

Q: At this point, what is your favorite thing about TWR?

My favorite thing about TWR is that we pray before work every single day. I think that is such a great way to orient a good working environment for the day and just submit the work you’re going to be doing to the Lord.

Q: Is this your first ministry/missions experience? If not, where have you served?

Yes, this is my first missions experience on my own.

Q: What was the biggest sacrifice you made to be here this summer?

The biggest sacrifice I made coming here this summer was not getting an internship at an engineering company or aerospace company that would’ve made me a lot of money as well as given me great experiences. 

Q: What is your favorite hobby that you have or hope to develop this summer?

My favorite hobbies are film photography, volleyball, fashion, coffee, watching anime and playing the guitar. I’ve gotten to enjoy all of these – other than fashion and volleyball, because it is so hot here, and not many people here on Bonaire play volleyball.

Q: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

My favorite Bible verse is probably Ephesians 5:1 – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”

Fun Facts: Zach and another Bonaire intern have been honing their culinary skills this summer. Some of their best dishes include chicken pesto gnocchi, Italian caprese, chicken carbonara, chicken katsu ramen, Tuscan orzo and many more. When they aren’t cooking for themselves, they’ve been loving the local barbecue. 

Zach decided to become an engineer because he was bad at math and wanted to improve, so “what better way than to do the hardest math at the highest level?”

Images: (top, banner) Zach and fellow Bonaire intern Ryan explore the island while interning with TWR; (middle, right) Zach [right] and fellow TWR interns participate in some orientation exercises together before flying out to their destinations of service; (bottom, right) Zach exercised his interest in photography during his internship, capturing some of the island's sunset beauty.