Summer of Impact 2022: Austin, Engineering Intern in West Africa

Meet Austin Mitchell from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He joins the TWR West Africa team as an engineering intern this summer between studies in electrical engineering at LeTourneau University in Texas. He will graduate in May of 2024. Homeschooled through high school, Austin enjoys working with his hands on various projects — including plumbing and carpentry — as well as reading books and spending time with friends.

Q: How did you hear about TWR?

I looked up “engineering internships Africa” online because that is where and what I wanted to do this summer. I found TWR by “accident.” God brought that up as the first search result!

Q: What caused you to get involved in the internship program with TWR?

I wanted to serve God this summer, and when I found that I could do engineering work and also do it in Africa, I was very excited and signed up.

Q: Have you always been interested in missions?

No, I have not.

Q: What do you feel your calling is, and how does this summer fit into that?

My calling is to serve God and spread his truth and light to the world. This summer fit into it as this is a direct involvement in the spread of the gospel to the men and women of West Africa.

Q: What projects are you going to be involved in?

I am involved in testing and trouble-shooting the radio tuning circuity, as well as designing and implementing a ground conductivity testing procedure.

Q: How does your internship align with your passions and calling?

My passion is working with my hands in the electrical field, and this internship is right up my alley, as it is all to do with hands-on and electricity!

Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered so far in your internship, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge so far is the language barrier, as I know very little French, so working with the technicians here has its own particular challenges.

Q: What were you most looking forward to during your internship?

Going to West Africa and getting to experience different cultures and ways of living that people have.

Q: What was your biggest goal for this summer?

Experiencing a different culture and serving God with my hands.

Q: What is one thing you have learned this summer?

Even if you don’t know their language, you can still interact and have fun with other people.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being here so far?

MANGOES!!

Q: What are your post-college plans?

Go into the workforce.

Q: Fun fact: What’s your favorite food?

Potatoes – literally any form of potato is great, especially a plain baked potato.

Q: Tell us a little-known or fun fact about yourself!

I am making a chainmail hauberk in my free time.