Summer of Impact 2022: Machaela, Finance Intern, Cary Team
Machaela Murrell, from Durham, North Carolina, is serving in Cary, North Carolina, this summer as an intern on TWR’s finance team. A rising junior at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, Machaela is majoring in business administration with a concentration in accounting and also is working on minors in Spanish and music. She enjoys playing the piano, reading and watching crime and mystery movies.
Q: How did you hear about TWR?
When I told my friend [former intern] Esther Chen that I was looking for an internship, she told me about her experiences as an intern with TWR last year.
Q: What caused you to get involved in the internship program with TWR?
When my friend put me in touch with Jennifer Bozeman (U.S. coordinator of short-term missions and college recruiting), I wasn’t at all aware of all the work that TWR does. Once I learned more about it, I became more and more interested and decided I wanted to see for myself and get involved in the internship program.
Q: Have you always been interested in missions?
A bit. I’ve had friends who are from missionary families, and I have considered going on a mission trip at some point, but that was really the extent of my desire. Now, I am definitely more interested in getting involved.
Q: What do you feel your calling is, and how does your summer fit into that?
I know what I want to do with my life, but I’m not sure I know exactly what my calling is. I do know that I am called to be a light and show the love of Jesus no matter where I end up in the future.
Q: What projects are you involved in?
I have been doing several things. I’ve been helping organize research on new accounting software, consolidating Excel budget sheets and assisting with employee benefits.
Q: How does your internship align with your passions and calling?
I am an accounting major, and I’ve also been interested in media. Being able to work at a multimedia organization in the finance area has been amazing.
Q: What were you most looking forward to during your internship?
Coming into this internship, I was most looking forward to working on projects that would have a meaningful impact, and I’ve been able to do that.
Q: What was your biggest goal for this summer?
My biggest goal for this summer was to learn and develop more skills, which I’ve been able to do here at TWR.
Q: What is one thing you have learned this summer?
I’ve learned so much about diverse cultures and what it is like to live and serve in other countries. I’ve also learned about the different benefits and challenges of working together with people who speak different languages and who have different customs.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being here so far?
The people. Everyone here is so genuine and kind, and it is very refreshing to be in this kind of work environment.
Q: What are your post-college plans?
I plan to earn my master of accounting degree online while working. My dream job would be to work for a music company, but we’ll see what the Lord has in store for me.
Q: Fun fact: What’s your favorite food?
I absolutely love sushi! It’s my comfort food.
Q: Tell us a little-known or fun fact about yourself.
I love music! I’ve played piano since I was 4 years old, and I’ve been playing in church regularly since I was about 12 or 13.
