Finding Community in Unexpected Places:
My Summer at Community Happens Here
by Adebukola Aderanti
My summer started with uncertainty. While my classmates had secured internships and mapped out their plans by May, I was still waiting for something to materialize. I watched others move forward with purpose while I wondered what opportunities might come my way.
Then Ruth Anne's email arrived.
I had met her during a class project, and though I wasn't sure what to expect, I felt a spark of excitement. I was eager to learn, to contribute, and maybe to find my footing somewhere. That email became the beginning of an unforgettable summer working at Community Happens Here, an experience that taught me what it really means to build community, one small interaction at a time.
The Beautiful Work Behind the Scenes
My first week introduced me to the "not-so-glamorous" side of community work. I helped set up for events, broke down tables, rearranged furniture, stocked supplies, made lemonade and coffee, posted event signs, and joined planning sessions. At first, it felt a bit mundane.
But I quickly realized how essential this behind-the-scenes work really is. Without the logistics, the magic can't happen. Community isn't just created during the big moments; it's built in the preparation, the intention, and the follow-through. The backend work is where consistency and care take root.
Tuesday & Saturday Magic: Sidewalk Hospitality
The most memorable part of my summer was Sidewalk Hospitality, a weekly event that perfectly captures what Community Happens Here is all about. Every Tuesday and Saturday, we'd set up tables, brew fresh coffee, and open our doors to anyone passing by.
We'd invite parents walking back from the library, people strolling with their dogs, even mail carriers making their rounds. No agenda, no pressure – just coffee, conversation, and genuine connection.
During these sidewalk sessions, I met the heartbeat of Pleasant Ridge: its residents. People from every walk of life stopped by. Some became regulars, sharing weekly updates about their lives and vacations. Others visited just once but left lasting impressions. Our biggest regular crowd was a group of 11-13 kids with their two teachers who stopped by every Tuesday after library time.
One of my favorite encounters was with a man who'd been waving from his truck for weeks. One morning, he finally pulled over and joined us. We talked about how the neighborhood had changed over the years, and he told me how much he appreciated seeing people still making time for face-to-face connection. "It feels like how things used to be," he said. That moment has stayed with me.
My two favorite events were the "Flap n Yap" furry friends gathering and the Saturday Enchanted Tea Party. Watching people dress up, chat, and simply enjoy themselves brought out childlike excitement in both adults and kids alike.
Learning from True Leadership
Ruth Anne was instrumental in making this experience meaningful. She didn't just supervise, she modeled what authentic community leadership looks like. She paid attention to details, made people feel truly seen, listened to their stories, and responded to their needs.
Through watching her, I learned that leadership in community work isn't about grand speeches or impressive titles. It's about presence. It's about making people feel valued and heard.
Finding My Place
As the weeks passed, I felt increasingly connected not just to the work, but to the community itself. I looked forward to seeing familiar faces like Leo and Ezra. I learned how to communicate across differences, how to welcome people without expectations, and how to slow down and simply be available.
What I Discovered
Looking back, I realize how profoundly this experience shaped my understanding of community. I started the summer feeling directionless, like I had no real plan. But what I found was far more valuable than another line on my resume. It was a deeper appreciation for the small, consistent actions that build trust and belonging.
Community doesn't happen overnight. It happens in moments: over coffee, through conversation, during planning meetings, through shared laughter, and even while stacking folding chairs after an event.
I'm grateful I got to be part of it.
