Written by Uchechi Anaba
Dear friend,
For five weeks, it was my great privilege to live in Philadelphia with six young adults from all across the country in what a housemate jokingly referred to as our Quaker commune. Through the highs and lows of taking such a chance into the unknown and intentionally exploring faith and social justice, I am struck by us human’s ability to find, form, and create joy amongst ourselves.
Prior to this summer, though I had heard of Quakerism and had a budding interest in community centered social justice, I had yet to find a place to tangibly explore what faith driven activism could look like for me. Like many people with this interest, I long to live in a world where people can exist thrive without fear or judgment. Yet as a college student who is entering into adulthood at such an uncertain time, how to approach this passion sustainably is something I am coming to terms with.
For many of my friends and I, in reckoning with a global culture that undervalues care and humanity for exploitation and automation, we often cynically joke about trading in our dreams for more “practical” pursuits that will allow us the safety nets necessary to take care of our families and material needs. Speaking to an older friend, it seems like previous generations have had to contend with similar questions of financial security and personal fulfillment.
Yet, when I heard of the program, I still wondered if it was even worthwhile to spend my summer doing something of personal interest that I might not be able to easily define to others. After some back and forth, I figured out I had nothing to lose, compiled all my application requirements, and hit submit. It was out of my hands now.
When late March rolled around and I received acceptance into the inaugural Summer Lab, I do not think I could have imagined how such an opportunity would allow me to conceptualize a life beyond school and the comparisons I had internalized, enabling me to reflect on the things that mattered the most to me: community, happiness, and love. The concept of ubuntu, I am because We are, is a perfect summation of this clarifying truth.
In everything that I did and noticed in my time in Philly—volunteer opportunities, conversations with neighbors at bus stops, smiles, a stranger wishing me a blessed day, playing games with my housemates– people and community were always centered. Specifically, the spontaneity of comradery that is neither conditional nor defined. Tethered from expectations, these encounters became a great source of happiness for me as though we might never meet again, we were able to form pockets of community grounded in mutual care and understanding.
The kind of love best experienced with others is something that has become foreign to many including myself. There are many reasons I attribute to this such as poor planning practices that are anti-people and community. Cultural attitudes that push us to be more insular and isolated. Political turmoil, greed… you name it.
Yet, despite this, many of us still crave the company of others. We do not want to be alone, but how do we make space—physically, emotionally, politically, and spiritually—to exist thrive together? I do not know, but this is a question Summer Lab has allowed me to formally consider and empowered me to one day answer.
As I return back home, preparing for a new academic year and resuming my plans for for real for real adulting, I hope the spirit continues to guide me through these truths of love and community as I take my next steps in life considering how best to live life loving.
Uchechi Anaba (she/her)
Uchechi (pronounced: oo-CHAY-chee) Anaba is a student attending Smith College interested in urban and environmental justice. She is excited to be part of the summer lab’s inaugural cohort and learn more from the city and people of Philadelphia.
Why participate in QVS instead of applying for a job directly with a nonprofit?
“QVS gave me a sense of direction — I learned at the end of the year that I needed more education, and more critical thinking around the best space for me to make long-term impact in a community. I found out what my strengths and weaknesses were, and gained clarity towards my next steps…
In my year-long position, I did a lot of typical first-job-out-of-college evaluation, but in my community I think I arrived at those conclusions faster because I had folks at home I could talk to about my experiences and feelings. It also unprogrammed the definition of success I maintained for myself before QVS; now, success is more than work, but also about how I am able to care for myself and listen to my feelings. I owe QVS thanks for more holistic visioning.”
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