Welcome back to Tennessee!
Another state checked off the list! It’s hard to believe that I’ve already made it to my third ASP state. This past week took me to Johnson County Tennessee before I headed back to our home base in Washington County Tennessee. Every week of this summer has looked completely different, and I think that’s one of the things I’m starting to love most about this internship. Just when I think I know what to expect, a new group of people or a new conversation reminds me why I’m here.
Something I’ve been thinking about a lot this week is how quickly people can go from being complete strangers to people you genuinely have a connection with. I had the opportunity to meet so many volunteers this week, and every conversation, whether it lasted five minutes or an hour, felt meaningful in its own way. It’s incredible how much you can learn about someone in such a short amount of time if you’re willing to simply sit down and listen.
One of the best parts of returning to Washington County was getting to see Haley Holcomb again. Haley was last year’s Story Gathering Intern, and she’s honestly one of the biggest reasons I decided to apply for this position. I remember talking with her last summer, asking what the experience was like and wondering if I could ever see myself doing it. Standing here a year later, having her introduce me to her family as the position she was last year felt like a truly full circle moment. It reminded me that the conversations we have with people can have a much bigger impact than we realize.
Earlier in the week, I was in Johnson County where I met an amazing group of volunteers from Texas. I also got to spend time with the Johnson County staff, which is always one of my favorite parts of visiting a county. Looking back, I think this week changed the way I think about connecting with people.
One thing I’m still getting used to is how often I must leave. Just as I start feeling comfortable and getting to know people, it’s time to pack up and head to the next county. Before I left Johnson County, I realized I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Even though I had only known the Texas group for a few days, it felt like we had built real friendships. That’s one of the things that makes ASP so special. Time doesn’t seem to matter as much when everyone is there for the same reason.
Some of my favorite memories from Johnson County came from something as simple as sitting down to play cards. What started as a game with Sammy, Hailey (a different one), and me slowly turned into seven people gathered around a table laughing together before lights out. It reminded me that connection doesn’t always happen during deep conversations. Sometimes it happens while joking over a card game or simply spending time together without even realizing memories are being made.
Hailey from Texas was one of the first volunteers to really start a conversation with me after I introduced myself at the worksite, and I also got to talk with another crew member who shares an interest in film. Those little moments of finding common things with someone always seems to stick with me the most.
Back in Washington County, I continued getting to know Haley, her church, and her family. Watching them serve together reminded me how family-oriented ASP really is. Even if you arrive with a group of friends, by the end of the week you’ve become family with everyone you are with. There’s something about serving alongside people, sharing meals, and ending each day together that creates relationships unlike any other.
Looking back, I guess this week was all about getting to know two different people with the same name—both named Haley—but each reminding me in their own way why this summer will be a meaningful one. More than anything, this week taught me that the people we meet, even for just a few days, can leave an impact like no other. As I continue traveling from county to county, I know these conversations, laughs, and unexpected friendships are going to be some of the memories I carry home with me when this is all over.
Peace for now,
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
