Lighting the ASP Journey: My Intro to ASP

Hey, readers! My name is Josh Adams, and I am one of the Story Gathering Interns for the summer of 2025 here at ASP. I’m a rising junior studying journalism-media with a marketing minor at Middle Tennessee State University. I found myself here at ASP because of two things: the job fit well with the type of things I aspire to do long term, and after looking at ASP’s history and the amazing things they do for their communities, I felt it was a great cause to help highlight. I’m excited to write to you all and share the wonderful experiences that are to come! 

In this entry, I’d like to share with you my intro week to ASP. As a first-year staff member who’s never heard of this program before, I took this opportunity by the reins and plunged headfirst. I didn’t quite know what to expect. If anything, I surmised that the job would be nothing much besides a mellow and strictly professional environment. As I made my way onto what I know now as “The Porch”, I realized I was in for an exciting ride. At first, I thought it might be the Appalachian altitude, but something about the atmosphere was so warm on The Porch. I was instantly greeted by several smiling faces welcoming me in as a new member of the family. I would soon find out how important community was to ASP and how they naturally make everyone feel embraced and at home. 

Melisa Winburn, ASP’s President and CEO, and Meg Robertson, gave a great welcoming introduction to The Porch that really resonated with me. I liked the unique t-shirt storytelling that was shared. It was a great illustration, with each shirt holding a special anecdote, all contributing to the spirit of the Porch. The Porch is where you meet new friends, build new bonds, and share laughs, songs, and stories all in one day. It’s where the entire summer staff comes to meet as one group for the start and end of every day. I learned that the Porch has a very distinct significance. There’s a lot of history there. You can look at the head of some rocking chairs there and read plaques with the names of past staffers who left a legacy with ASP. Though they are gone, their stories and memories live on. It’s the physical embodiment of ASP’s community, and it didn’t take me long to understand that this is much more than just a large wooden porch. 

Through Melisa and Meg’s introduction, I began to see how the love of Christ was present here. I was introduced to the theme for this summer: “Be the Light”. Being the light can mean a variety of different things. What I got from the message is that in everything that we do and everywhere we go, it’s not just to do good deeds and bless those we help, but to be a witness to the light that was placed in us. With Christ centered morals, these are the type of life changing influences we can make together. I found that really powerful. Right then, I knew that the summer would be a journey of endless impacts.  

We have successfully completed week one of training which for me was filled with lots of learning and understanding ASP’s purpose. Staffers sat through sessions learning about construction dos and don’ts and how to effectively run volunteer centers. This was all in preparation for load-up day where everyone will disperse to their designated counties to help rebuild and repair homes in Central Appalachia. Staffers got to go through a “simulation day”, essentially walking through what a day on the job looks like. Between training breaks with activities and bonfire gatherings to just mingle and have fun while getting to know each other better. My personal favorite activity was when I got to get a little basketball session in, which I haven’t done in a while! It took me back to those days in my backyard just playing “Horse”. These were great moments that brought the staff closer together as a community. I began to settle in, and I owe it all to the entire staff being so friendly and inclusive. You guys are the best! 

Thursday was the big, anticipated day for staff reveal. This is a long tradition for ASP when staffers meet up at the local park and go through various challenges before finding out the county they’ll be working in and who their typical four-person team will be. This day the energy was high, and everyone was excited. My highlight after finding out everyone’s staff was afterwards when we all took part in a long-time ASP tradition of getting ice cream from The Patio, one of the local diners in town. Getting to spend time with the Wise County staff was great! We all got to know one another better and spent the rest of the evening having fun together. The rest of the week consisted of more in-depth position training, so everyone would be well-prepared to excel in the roles they filled.  

With week one now behind me, my journey with ASP is off to a fantastic start, and I’m eager to see what the rest of the summer brings. To my intern partner in crime, Hayley, and our supervisor, Chelsi, I’m excited to collaborate with you both to share the amazing stories of this program while connecting with the numerous individuals we’ll undoubtedly meet along the way! I can genuinely say this internship has already proven to be full of fun and purpose, and I’m proud to be part of something so special.   

Until next time readers, 

Josh Adams

Story Gathering Intern