A Summer Unplanned: Finding Purpose at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
Article by Joyce Emeka-Ibe
Not everything in life goes according to plan. As someone who enjoys structure yet thrives on discovery and seeks the thrill of meeting new people and exploring new spaces, spending the summer on Berea’s campus was not part of my to-do list for 2025.
I had completed a flood of possible applications for medical research internships. A study abroad trip to London, England, had already been lined up. I had even received two acceptances from prestigious universities in the United States. My summer, in my eyes, was set. It was going to be full and exciting. I was grateful.
But life has a way of rearranging us. And sometimes, our carefully drawn paths get swept away by the tides of reality. The timelines for my internship and study abroad collided, and I was left to choose between one or the other. Europe had long been a dream, not just for the experience but also for reconnecting with my nuclear family, who I hadn’t seen in years. My internship was crucial for my career, but I would have the opportunity to reapply the following year. It was a painful decision, but I withdrew from both internships. Suddenly, my once-vibrant summer felt vacant.
In the hush of that uncertainty, I began searching for summer jobs—and very unexpectedly, the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center had an opening. The job description immediately caught my eye. I had always known LJAC as more than just a building on campus—it felt like a place rooted in community, culture, and storytelling. I’d often walked past it, curious about the exhibits inside and its history. I knew it was a hub for conversations around identity, belonging, and regional heritage--things I deeply care about. I felt pulled when I read that the role involved learning about Appalachian history, interacting with folks entering the center, and possibly helping with creative projects. So, without overthinking it, I applied almost immediately. Something about it just felt right.
Soon after, I was invited to an interview. That’s when I met Chris Green—a man who intrigued me with his remarkable insight. Our conversation was rich, thoughtful, and left me eager to learn more about the Center’s work.
Now, over five weeks later, I sit at my desk often with a smile. I’m reminded that not only have my original desires for the summer—to be in a new environment and meet new people—come to life, but I’m also reminded that my Lord Jesus Christ has everything under control. Without realizing it, I slowly learned to let go of control and see the brighter side of every situation.
At the Appalachian Center, I’ve found more than just colleagues. I’ve found a family.
Heather, the Center’s Program Assistant, radiates peace and love in such a way that makes being in the office feel like home. She is an ample reflection of the LJAC's creativity and expresses that through her personal artwork, projects, organization of items in the center, and community outreach programs.
I enjoy having conversations with Dr. Green, the director of the center, because I'm bound to leave with a deep question to reflect on or gain outstanding knowledge. He has taught me the importance of thorough research and ensuring information is gained from reliable sources.
Pebbles, my co-worker in the gallery, has grown more comfortable around me, and playing cards with her has revealed a person of exceptional intelligence and creativity. She’s very quick with math problems, which I admire, but simultaneously has an artistic mind with her ability to create miniature figures from natural materials. She also writes beautiful poems.
Lie's smile can brighten anyone’s day. She is selfless and has expressed that from little things like conceding in a card game to larger things like designing five large linotype prints to use with LJAC’s new exhibit on what people from Appalachia are currently fighting for.
Dr Miller, the associate director in charge of exhibits, is always ready to help. He shared with me his love for photography and his journey to Ukraine. It was refreshing to learn about his passions, especially photography, as that’s also a skill of deep interest to me.
Rick has been kind. He serves as the campus’s Appalachian Male Advocate and Mentor. Rick works on the second floor but never fails to check in with me whenever we run into each other anywhere in the building. Rick shows qualities of a great leader in the thoughtfulness of his conversations, and even though we've not had the most interactions, he reminds me that a bit of kindness can go a long way.
While I have not listed everyone who makes this space so vibrant, even though it has been a quiet summer, I hope I have provided a glimpse of the beautiful community I’ve found here.
In a season that began with disappointment, I’ve ended up exactly where I needed to be. And for that, I am genuinely grateful.
