Something that Matters: Kristina Dodds Follows God’s Plan
[Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]
Kristina Dodds (right) and fellow intern Veronica Jonas (left) join 17 other talented young TWR interns for the summer of 2025.
“I’ve always wanted the work I do to matter, and the only things that last are the things done for Christ and his kingdom,” says 22-year-old Kristina Dodds.
As a rising senior at Liberty University, Kristina didn’t want a typical summer job. Instead, she desired to use her graphic design major to spread the gospel, so she joined TWR as a summer intern to serve with the U.S. Spanish Ministry. Since her Colombian mother ensured that Kristina spoke Spanish, it was a perfect fit! These days Kristina works in the Cary, North Carolina, office creating stickers, social media templates, logos and more.
What brought you to TWR?
I heard about TWR through Handshake, an online job site for college students, while looking for an internship for my degree. I chose TWR due to its mission to reach the unreached across the world.
What are you looking forward to while working at TWR?
I look forward to growing in my skills and knowledge as a junior graphic designer as well as growing in my fluency in Spanish and my relationship with the Lord. I can’t wait to look back and see how far I’ve come. So far, it has been lovely, and my co-workers are all so kind and helpful. My supervisor, Soyanne, has been a huge motivator for me, and [Marketing and Communications graphic designer] Jeannine’s help in InDesign [publishing software] has been invaluable.
What is one of your biggest challenges this summer?
One of my biggest challenges this summer has been adjusting to the difference between working in an office and doing projects compared to working on a school assignment. There’s not as much pressure, and it’s OK to make mistakes. It’s been difficult to deal with this realization. I keep feeling a need to rush when I have time because I’m so used to impending due dates.
When and how did you get interested in missions?
I became interested in ministry and missions as soon as I learned about them as a kid. I always thought I couldn’t offer much, but when I heard about the opportunity to serve the Lord with the gifts he has given me, I couldn’t wait to see how he would use me.
How is this internship preparing you for your future?
It is preparing me for the workplace and for the mission field. I love the focus of this internship! It’s all about the Lord and building his kingdom; it inspires me because it reminds me of the times when I get frustrated or tired of who I am doing it for. I’m not sure where the Lord will take me after this internship, but I truly believe the outlook and mission I am learning here will stay with me wherever I end up. I intend to take the passion to work for the Lord in all that I do with me. The skills I learn here are important as well, but personal growth is what I’m certain of.
What have you been doing for fun this summer?
I’ve gone hiking a decent amount this summer, and I can’t wait to check out some more amazing spots nearby. But more than anything, I was surprised how much I am enjoying North Carolina.
We asked Luswepo Sinyinza, another Cary office intern, the important question:
If Kristina were a Disney character, who would she be?
His answer: If Kristina were a Disney character, she would be Moana. She likes to go out and do things and take initiative. She’s funnier than Moana though.
Fun fact: Kristina enjoys playing the guitar and singing!
Images: (top, banner) Kristina (right) and fellow intern Veronica (left) participate in a community exercise during TWR's intern orientation; (middle, right) Kristina (right) and fellow intern Joanna Moser (left) enjoy some downtime at TWR's guesthouse, the Lodge.
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