Under One Roof - Even When We're Not

If you asked me to list everything great about being a Pittsburgh Fellow, I’d probably respond with a question of my own: How much time do you have? The program has been an absolute joy, blessing, and privilege to be part of this year. Picking one element that’s impacted me most is difficult, but after some thought, I’ve realized it’s my fellow Fellows.

Our class of 2026 is larger than usual, 12 instead of the typical 10. Because the main house only fits 10 people, I and another Fellow, Oliver Schwarz, live just a stone’s throw away in a nearby apartment. Over the summer, I worried that living apart might make it harder to connect socially. I only knew one other person going in, and he was my flatmate. But once the program began and I started getting to know everyone, those worries quickly disappeared.

Each Fellow is uniquely gifted and genuinely kind. Watching us interact, you’d think we’d known each other for years. Their thoughtfulness to include Oliver and I in group plans often makes me feel like all 12 of us truly live under one roof. The most perfect example manifested itself while I was in the process of writing this very post. One of the fellows called me and invited me over to the house just to hang out. I’ve always loved meeting new people, but with this group, it hasn’t required any effort, it’s been nothing but welcoming friendship since Day One.

When we’re together, whether doing service work, studying the Bible, or hanging out, it doesn’t feel like we’re a bunch of individuals thrown into a program. It feels like having a second family rooted in love for God and for each other. I know nothing in this world lasts forever, but I’m confident our lives will remain connected long after this program ends.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” My father always reminded me to be mindful of who I surround myself with. Now, I don’t need that reminder, because I couldn’t have asked for better brothers and sisters in Christ.

-Written by Jack Henne, Class of 2026

Jack attended Grove City College and now works at Corkboard Concepts as a Pittsburgh Fellow.