Stephanie Maendel Communication Internship

Apr 6, 2025 | Blog

When I first started my Communication internship with Journey magazine, I knew I’d get some writing experience, but I didn’t realize just how much I would grow. It’s been such a cool opportunity to combine my love for storytelling, design, and ministry all in one place. I’ve been learning what makes a story truly meaningful, not just as a writer, but as someone who wants to communicate truth well. This internship has been both stretching and rewarding, and I’m excited to share a little bit of what I’ve been up to so far.

What I’ve Been Working On

My internship with Grace Christian University’s Journey Magazine has been such a great experience so far! A big part of my internship involves reading and learning about effective storytelling, which is something I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve been working through books like Go Tell It and Storyworthy, both of which have challenged the way I think about storytelling, communication, and even ministry. In addition to reading, I’ve spent time summarizing Journey stories, proofreading articles, and even writing stories myself for the magazine. I love getting to be part of the process from start to finish, reading past stories, refining current ones, and contributing my own writing to future issues.

Stephanie-M-internship

Getting Ready for Something Big

Another exciting aspect of this internship is preparing for the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) conference that my professor and I will be attending in May. I’ve been working on designing business cards to take with me, which has been a fun project since I enjoy graphic design. This internship has also given me a better understanding of journalism, as I recently completed an application for an EPA scholarship that required me to reflect on the state of journalism today, a topic I hadn’t given much thought to before.

Why Grace Feels Like the Right Fit

I’m majoring in communications at Grace Christian University, which is a great fit for me because of my love for writing, storytelling, and ministry. I’m originally from Petoskey, Michigan, and I chose Grace because of its strong biblical foundation and its emphasis on building every field of study on a biblical worldview. I also have a deep passion for missions and mobilizing others to take part in the Great Commission, and I see storytelling as a key tool in that mission. This internship has already helped me grow in so many ways, and I’m excited to continue refining my skills and learning how to tell stories in a way that inspires and equips others.

Your Story Could Start Here Too

If you’re passionate about storytelling, writing, or using your gifts to glorify God, consider how your college experience can help you grow in those areas. Grace Christian University’s Communication Program has been the perfect place for me to learn, grow, and serve. Whether you’re interested in journalism, design, ministry, or all of the above, I encourage you to explore how Grace can equip you to share stories that matter, stories that move people and point them to Christ.

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