Emily's Intern Speech

Just over a week ago, the Program Assistants enjoyed lunch with Diane and a wonderful visitor to FCNL named Jennie Isbell. Jennie joined us from the Earlham School of Religion, and came to speak to us about the process of discerning our gifts. Jennie walked us through an exercise of personal reflection and questioning, and emphasized the need for both in order to reveal true leadings. Together we discussed the difference between a decision and a leading--a decision, in Jennie’s eyes, is that which you resolve to do based on instinct, and a leading, is tested inclination that you have found clearly to be a calling.

I realized in our time with Jennie that I have discerned little in my life, and have decided much. That is not to say that my decisions have necessarily led me astray or that they are of less importance in the scheme of things. I was interested to recognize in myself a hastiness for resolution. While I haven’t formally checked with my program assistant compatriots on this, I sense that folks of our age, particularly those who are interested in making positive social change, are indeed eager to make decisions. Every 20-something is different of course, but speaking for myself, I know that it is difficult to feel unresolved. In an effort to seek small resolution, I often decide now and discern later.

I have been fortunate to be raised and raised up by communities of Friends all my life. I was born into a family of Quaker educators and activists, and adored my Kindergarten through 12th grade Quaker school. I graduated from high school feeling prepared for college yet concerned that I would not receive the same engaged teaching and care that I had been lucky enough to receive at Westtown. Of course, attending Haverford College was even more ideal than I could have guessed, and there too I found a brilliantly supportive and challenging environment. 10 of the summers between Westtown and Haverford were filled with sunny days at a Baltimore Yearly Meeting camp, which comprise much of my happiest memories. Between these fabulous places, I was given much space for growth, development and reflection, and have been incredibly fortunate to feel equipped with the skills to operate from the center.

As a young adult just beginning to live on my own and negotiate a life slightly more removed from the Quaker supports with which I grew up, I am ecstatic to be here at FCNL. I have found that I love talking about lobbying, and that I love talking to all of you. As you know, my coworkers are incredibly intelligent and I confess that I often walk around the office, listening to tidbits of great conversation that I jot down to look up more about, or reflect on later. While I am grateful to be doing this important work with all of you, and with other FCNL staff, I am also personally grateful. FCNL has given me the opportunity to work with a remarkable team of individuals, on issues that matter most, and feel extremely supported every step of the way.

I recently read a New York Magazine article entitled, “The Kids are Actually Sort of Alright.” In the article, the author discusses the unique set of circumstances that have shaped my/our generation. We grew up being told that each piece of finger painting was a masterpiece, and that merely by warming the bench of our tee-ball team (or was that just me?) that we deserve personalized trophies. She finds that the clash of the incredible coddling we received as children and young adults with the harsh reality of our current economic situation, is remarkably unremarkable. That is to say that on the whole, we seem to be doing ‘actually sort of alright.’ The author argues that us 20-somethings are hopeful and should hold onto that hope. Despite all that remains to be fixed, to be tackled, to be changed, I have to say that I agree.

Like me, my generation has much work to do. Now is the time to draw on the brightest moments of our life experiences. There is just as much relevance in our being showered with fake tee ball trophies (again...just me?) as there is in our generation’s struggle to find employment. Approaching the future requires a delicate balance between maintaining our faith, pushing the envelope, and seeking out our leadings and gifts. We must still believe, with the same assurance our mothers had about our tee ball skills, that change is possible despite our broken system We must move forward as adults undaunted by the challenges of the future and ask: what is our generation led to change?

Our mothers always told us that we were unique and special. How can we discern our gifts and move forward as the way opens, utilizing our respective skills and passions most effectively?

I cannot say that I have an answer to that today, but I can say that I think we will be, actually sort of alright. I am heartened by our energy and humbled by the work to be done. I am honored to work at FCNL, and grateful to have discovered, thanks to Jennie, how critically important it is to begin discerning our gifts today so that we can carry them forward into many, many future days. And after this weekend, where every session has me thinking I’d like to ‘grow up’ and be something new: a religion PhD working for peace in the Arab world, a Congressman with a great Massachusetts accent, Diane Randall … I am eager to see where this year takes us Program Assistants, and other young adults. We have so much to do and only nine more months to do it. Any gratuitous trophies, for tee ball or anything else, will be appreciated.

Thank you very much.