What happens when theories of religion, geography, modern life and nature are combined? Hastings College students Emma Morelli and Claire Fuqua went to a five-week Summer Youth Internship (SYI) at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS) this past summer to find out.
Fuqua, a sophomore wildlife biology and philosophy & religion major from Woodland Park, Colorado; and Morelli, a senior history major from Thornton, Colorado, were two of 12 students from across the country who were selected for SYI.
SYI is an internship that focuses on finding hope through spiritual practice and theological reflection in times of crisis. The participants did some community organizing and learned about how religion impacts geography and the history of Pittsburgh.
Both students were very excited about being selected and the program itself.
“It was such a wonderful opportunity,” Morelli said. “I wanted to see how different people’s experiences contrasted with mine.”
Fuqua said that her peers were by far the best part.
“It was cool to be surrounded by people who were interested in religion and science and how they worked together,” Fuqua said.
During a typical week, Monday and Tuesday mornings were dedicated to workshops, and the afternoons would be for small group discussions. Wednesdays were reserved for Tazié and exploring Pittsburgh and the rich outdoor opportunities in western Pennsylvania. Thursdays were for experimental learning at the Garfield community farms.
Each student received a notebook to write down what they had learned over the five weeks. Their goals were to talk about ecotheology, theological geography and vocation.
Fuqua and Morelli received $3,000 for full participation in the program, and their room, board and travel were covered by a stipend. They will also be eligible to apply for additional funding through the Fellowship for Contextual Ministry and Community Research program.
PTS was founded in the 1790s and is a graduate theological school of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), offering master’s and doctor of ministry degrees as well as certificate programs. SYI is offered for undergraduate students interested in religion and how it shapes our world.
The two students found out about the program from Hastings College religion professor Dr. Dorothy Dean.
“Dr. Dean went out of her way to send me the application,” Fuqua said. “It doesn’t matter that I get accepted, it matters that they thought of me.”
