Student Testimonials

Below are students that spent their summers together in 2024 sharing what Triple Threat’s summer program has meant to them

Rosemary Chesney

Berry College / class of 2025 / Communications / 205-873-2329

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2021 - $18,100

2022 - $23,500*

2023 - $37,700*

2024 - $64,200*

2025 - $74,500*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Selling books this past summer was the single most challenging and impactful experience of my life. It taught me true humility and confidence. I learned how to genuinely surrender to the Lord and ground my identity in him rather than my success, image, or skills. I learned that there are two kinds of people in the world “those that make an excuse and those that find a way.” The bookfield is a place to choose what kind of person you want to be because every choice you make shapes the character that will last a lifetime. Looking back on my summer, I am so incredibly thankful that I chose to act in courage rather than fear by joining the Southwestern program because the person I am today is truly not the person I was 4 months ago.

Jack Waller

University of Alabama / class of 2026 / Business Management / (334) 435-6884

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $14,800*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest thing for me this summer was learning to have peace by doing my best and having faith that God will give me the best possible outcome. I also learned the importance of spreading love to everyone, regardless of how they treat me. This results in more peace.

Anna Kolarsky

Entrepreneurship / 509-993-5329

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2021 - $29,700 

2022 - $65,500*

2023 - $89,300*

2024 - $84,900*

2025 - $105,400

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

I learned that there is never a reason to worry because God gives us everything we need exactly when we need it. This summer helped me to trust God in every aspect of life. It doesn’t make sense to worry cause God’s got my back, which is like an army of the best MMA fighters standing behind me at all times!! Nothing stops the book girl!

Spencer Christensen

Gonzaga University / class of 2024 / Business Finance and LPP / 509-828-9700

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2022 - $18,000

2023 - $28,000

2024 - $37,500*

2025 - $49,500*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

There is no program that has helped me grow in the skills and character I need to be successful as much as Southwestern has. I have entrepreneurial dreams for the future and I was never sure how to take steps in the right direction and get good practice until I discovered this amazing opportunity. Obviously, you have the opportunity to grow in many valuable business skills, like sales, marketing, communication, leadership, etc., but my biggest takeaway is my personal character growth. By pushing outside my comfort zone, I not only grew more in my faith in the Lord, but also in patience, humility, discipline, servitude, and love. If you want to grow as a person, Southwestern is right for you.

Victor Dekeyser

Auburn University / class of 2028 / Mechanical Engineering / 678-230-5568

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $12,200

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Before being introduced to Southwestern I wasn't really capable and confident going out and advocating for myself. I also didn't know what it took to control everything on my own and this past summer experience has shown what is needed as a person and that there is always something more I can do to improve myself. I was always more of an introvert and quiet person and I realized that that's fine but I need to be able to communicate and be confident in many situations to be successful and where I want to be in life. Southwestern has taught me so many skills and how to have fun while doing anything to keep great a attitude and character.

Chase Clifford

Kennesaw State / class of 2022 / Marketing / 404-642-8837

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2022 - $12,200

2023 - $28,000*

2024 - $19,800*

2025 - $27,200*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Before my summer with Southwestern, I knew I wanted to become a successful person, but nothing I was doing was really going to get me there. The highest paid people are strong at adapting to challenges, brilliant communicators, and ridiculously hard working. Just one summer with the program forced me to grow myself in all of those aspects plus more. 

Tuan Nyugen

Troy University / class of 2025 / Business Management / 334-492-4979

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $9,800

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Not just about selling books, but it’s about doing the hard things, overcoming challenges, and becoming the person you want to be in life. Thank you, SW, for giving me this opportunity to improve my communication skills and meet amazing, hardworking people. people I feel I could only meet through Southwestern Advantage. This internship helped me build my character and taught me the foundation of how to be an entrepreneur and run my own business.

Julianna Ramirez

Georgia State University / Risk Management & Insurance / 470-685-2048

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2023 - $7,000

2024 - $8,700

2025 - $12,600*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Before the summer I felt like I wasn’t doing anything to grow personally or professionally, therefore I took a chance on myself and accepted the challenge. The summer definitely got me outside my comfort zone and I grew in many aspects even in ways I wasn’t expecting. 

This was my first time away from my family for a long period. I proved to myself that I am capable of being responsible and taking care of myself without my family there. I also learned and practiced to believe in myself and have confidence. I got to prove to myself that I can do hard things and that there is always a solution to every problem. I also learned the importance of having a positive mindset and outlook and to always expect the best. I grew closer to God and learned to turn to him in moments of discomfort, loneliness, frustration, etc., and to trust him because, in the end, he is the one in control. Through this experience, I gained a lot of perspective and learned to value and appreciate my family and everything I have even more than I already did.

Overall I’m really thankful for the Southwestern experience, the skills and character that I gained, and for the amazing friendships I created through this experience. 

Wesley Jones

Auburn University / class of 2028 / Accounting / 931-380-2042

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $22,300*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The summer is hard. Through the summer, I became more vulnerable than ever before and was given the opportunity to grow in and practice my faith in a way that I hadn’t previously. God is love, and that is what I got the chance (and challenge) of trying to show to every person and family I talked to this summer. Also, I gained many insights into what it takes to be successful, particularly regarding the extremity of habits and schedule, and how I personally want to go about pursuing success. All glory to God

Colby Passman

Ole Miss / class of 2023 / IMC / 601-443-1488 

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2020 - $8,300 

2021 - $21,300* 

2022 - $32,500*

2023 - $31,500*

2024 - $45,400*

2025 - $25,400*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Knowing that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Problem solving animal. Emotionally consistent positive attitude.

Tarpley Herlihy

University of Georgia / class of 2024  / Finance and Marketing / 404-984-3855

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2023 - $18,900

2024 - $34,500

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

I am thankful that I decided to sell books for a few reasons. Since both of my parents sold books, I grew up hearing about Southwestern my whole life but never thought it would be something I would pursue. I am so thankful, however, that I decided to spend my summer with Southwestern because it has made such an impact on my life. This last summer, I learned the true meaning of perseverance and gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities. Not only did I grow in technical skills and emotional intelligence, I grew immensely in my faith. I learned to rely on God in every moment of each day and trust the details to him. I don't think I could have chosen any other internship that would have allowed me to grow the way I did last summer. Despite all the challenges that I faced during the summer, I am grateful for each one because each challenge was just an opportunity for growth and each one pushed me to become a better version of myself

Peter Chesney

Real Estate Investing Apprentice / 678-689-7101

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $21,200

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Honestly just doing my utter most best and just letting God take over and do the rest.

Emmy O´Donnell

Entrepreneurship / 331-703-8700

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $10,900

2025 - $14,200

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

There are so many advantages for me for having completed a summer with southwestern, but I'll focus on just a few. Mainly, this summer helped me to develop a true, deep rooted confidence in myself and what I truly believe I am capable of. Before this summer, I had a ton of dreams and ideas for my future and no real plan or belief in myself that I could get there. this summer tested me and pushed me so far outside of my comfort zone, and through every challenge i faced i also had an opportunity in front of me to choose to overcome. and that, repeated again and again and again, all summer long, proved to me that i am capable of whatever it is that i set my mind to. 

Secondly, this summer offered a lot of perspective. These last four months I learned that absolutely everything in life is a choice, and your mind can make a hell out of heaven or a heaven out of hell. the perspective that you choose to have on your circumstances will dictate your life. it’s not about what’s happening to you, but how you choose to look at it. 

Lastly, something that’s really cool about this job is that all summer long, you get to just focus on and practice being the kind of person you want to be. I got to grow in my faith, in my patience, in my courage, in my consistency and in my discipline. I got to build the habit of loving exactly where I'm at, instead of always waiting for the day to be over, or the weekend to come, or that trip next month. Overall, I am so incredibly grateful for my experience with southwestern. The friendships I've made and the skills and character I've gained are something that will last a lifetime, and I can't think of a better way I could have spent my summer.

Lanet Passewee

Louisiana State University / class of 2028 / Psychology / 267-278-1770

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $1,600

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Work ethic and communication

Demetris Fuller

SCAD / class of 2029  / Graphic Design / 803-261-1905

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $3,200

2025 - $3,900

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest advantages Southwestern has blessed me with has been the ability to believe in myself and understanding sometimes you have to be selfish and put yourself first so you can grow and take care of the people you love. I'm also grateful for the life long support and relationships you gain because everybody is there to help each other out and they truly understand because they've been through it. I also gained the ability to be a better leader and given a blueprint to use towards my dreams.

Izac Martinez

Southeastern University / class of 2025  / Business / 863-599-4185

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2025 - $11,900

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Discipline and Mindset

David Siaw

LSU /  class of 2026  / Mechanical Engineering / 256-224-2914

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2020 - $12,000

2021 - $16,500

2022 - $11,000

2023 - $23,600*

2024 - $37,400*

2025 - $59,500*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Growth mindset! And building belief!

Sam Strickler

Eastern Washington / class of 2027  / Business / 928-830-1611

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $19,600

2025 - $8,200

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest advantage for me has been the experience doing something hard and spending such a concentrated amount of time only doing one thing.

Doing something difficult has given me confidence in being able to do other things and also taught me more about what it means to be consistent and to gauge decisions based on long term metrics and not short term ones. Spending 3 months pretty much only doing one thing has taught me a lot about how to become excellent at something.

Michael Borosak

Lee University /  class of 2027  / Pastoral Studies / 470-475-0746

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $15,500

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Discipline has been further embedded within my life. Southwestern has taught me how to work hard and have no exceptions when it comes to the grind.

I also learned how to see the positive in every situation. I have become more conscious of my negativity and made an effort to reduce any complaints I may have.

My communication skills have improved as well, obviously. I find myself to be more intentional with my conversation and word-choice, making the most of every interaction.

Ryan Zapatka

University of Georgia / class of 2027  / Political Science & Philosophy / 404-632-6272

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $6,100

2025 - $11,900

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The three biggest takeaways are an improved focus, a proper schedule, and a consistent attitude throughout my life. In a world with so many distractions it’s very easy to get distracted from the task at hand so learning the ability to focus on one thing is truly beneficial. Having a proper schedule keeps you accountable with your life and your success. Without a solid schedule with certain beneficial habits your life falls apart. Lastly, life is so short and you have so much to be grateful that you should at least have a positive attitude while going through it. Especially when it gets tough.

Quinton King

Kennesaw State / class of 2026  / Professional Sales / 706-380-5155

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2023 - $2,500

2025 - $12,100

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest advantage that I gained from participating in the southwestern program is confidence. Not any kind of confidence, not fake confidence, not confidence based on something else, but confidence that came from doing a really hard thing that will be ingrained into my character for life.

While I didn't do the best my first summer compared to everyone else, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world. I can't wait for the future summers to come!

Anthony Allgood

Mississippi State / class of 2024  / Criminology / 404-804-0507

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $5,800

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

What I learned from the southwestern experience includes things such as the power of self confidence and image, the power of having willpower and being relentless in the face of self doubt, and realizing what an individual is capable of when they genuinely apply themselves. I learned to hold myself at a high standard, not only in professional but in personal life when interacting and treating others with kindness. It was a great experience that gave me the opportunity for huge growth in professional skills and personal character development.

Kody Smith

Madisonville Community College / class of 2026  / Business / 570-212-2256

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2022 - $18,000

2023 - $12,300

2024 - $15,800

2025 - $14,100

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest thing that I have gotten from this internship is learning more about myself. Learning the ability to not just to work hard but also how to work for myself and reaching my goals with the lifetime friends that I made along the way.

Guias McPherson

University of Tennessee / class of 2027  / Finance / 806-470-6969

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $21,800

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest advantage for me was learning that I can control my attitude and emotions in every situation. For my life learning how to maintain a schedule and finding joy in places that aren’t the most joyful.

Jose Ortiz

University of Arkansas / class of 2024  / Chemistry / 479-381-0720

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2022 - $10,000

2023 - $31,600

2024 - $27,900

2025 - $16,100*

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Outside of the gain of soft skills & character development, the biggest advantage is learning how to have a positive perspective and outlook on life.

After a few summers of experiencing so much positivity & discipline, it becomes obvious that most people don’t live life to their fullest. They don’t know how to take ownership, accept their situations, and choose to lead a life of complacency & negativity. This program has taught me that I can choose my effort, but more importantly my attitude, no matter the situation I am in.

Cooper Christensen

Gonzaga / class of 2027  / Psychology / 509-998-1732

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $10,500

2025 - $14,800

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Doing door-to-door sales for an entire summer, working over 75 hours a week, profoundly shaped my faith, confidence, and ability to let go of worry. Every day was filled with challenges, from facing rejection to pushing through exhaustion, but it was in those moments that I felt God’s presence the most. As I knocked on door after door, not knowing what awaited on the other side, I clung to the truth of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse became my lifeline, reminding me that no matter how difficult the day was, God was holding me up, giving me the strength to persevere.

Each rejection became an opportunity to trust Him more, realizing that my identity wasn’t in my success or failure but in Christ. I learned that confidence isn’t about never failing but about standing firm in the belief that God’s purpose is greater than my fears. Over time, my worries faded as I embraced the truth of Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches us not to be anxious about our lives, for our Heavenly Father knows our needs. By stepping into the unknown each day, I realized how much I was trying to control, and I surrendered that to God, knowing He was in control of every interaction.

This experience built not just my resilience but my ability to live out my faith in real-time, trusting God with each step. If you’re seeking to grow deeper in your faith, to learn how to trust God more fully, and to develop a confidence rooted in Him, this is an incredible journey to take. It’s not easy, but it’s through these challenges that God reveals Himself and molds you into who He’s called you to be.

Annie Brun

U of North Texas / Entrepreneurship / 210-885-1348

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $9,000

2025 - $10,200

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

I’d say one of the biggest advantages I’ve taken from this experience is the people I got to meet. Finding an environment where everyone is optimistic, hardworking, and determined to reach their goals is super rare to come by. I was able to find friends to keep me on track for my goals and share the same values I have.

Dakota Rickey

University of Tulsa / class of 2024  / Accounting & Business Mgmnt / 417-312-3340

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2021 - $12,000

2022 - $14,000

2023 - $30,000

2024 - $48,000

2025 - $30,100

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

Working with Southwestern the past four summers has been a life-changing experience. I went into my first summer seeking something hard that would make me proud of my experience. Over the past four summers I've built skills and discipline I would've never found in a classroom or accounting internship. I keep coming back for another summer because I genuinely believe there's nowhere else college students can earn, learn, and grow like they do with a summer with Southwestern.

Emily Lin

Ole Miss / class of 2025  / Finance / 601-819-0169

Which Summers did you work and how much money did you earn?

2024 - $9,600

What have been the biggest “Advantages" for you from having participated?

The biggest advantage I have gained by making the choice to join the Southwestern family is truly gaining the character and skills to be successful in life. Being able to wake up every day and know today is a new day to grow during the summer is powerful.

I have worked 5 years running one of my parents' businesses but it cannot compare to 3 months on the bookfield. You truly learn more about yourself in 3 months and you get to have the opportunity to be the person you want to be. Out of everything I have grown in this summer, FAITH has been the most important to me this summer. Being able to gain true confidence in the LORD as I face the next day is beautiful. Super thankful for every door.

*includes team building bonus pay for being a student leader

*www.southwesternadvantage.com/Disclosure

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