Embracing the Unknown

Aubrey Incorvaia, a student in the Master of Arts in Spiritual and Social Transformation program, stepped away from a professional life that had many of the traditional markers of success, to move into the unknown. Although her career had followed an impressive trajectory, she felt isolated in her work, and she felt that she could not express all aspects of herself in the workplace — particularly her Christian faith. That felt like a disconnect.

She worked in local and state government before earning a sought-after role in academia. She remembers thinking, “this is supposed to be ‘it,’ but it is so not ‘it.’” 

Incorvaia had earned a bachelor’s degree from Ashland University as well as a master’s degree from Duke and a PhD from Georgia Tech in public policy. As a post-doctoral fellow at Duke, she had published significant research.

“I wasn’t just cranking it out,” she recalls. “I poured my soul into it.”

Still, she didn’t want to spend her working life hemmed into one narrow path of scholarly research, but sought instead a broader range of exploration. She wanted to move beyond the feelings of isolation that she experienced at the university. And she was interested in pursuing work that would allow her to draw on all aspects of herself — including her religious background.

So she stepped away. She took time to reflect, without a title or an income, and sought a more expansive path through life that would benefit from what she describes as her “drive to investigate,” but also allow her to deepen her faith. A member of Peace Covenant Church of the Brethren in Durham, North Carolina, she learned about Bethany’s programs from fellow church members, including Darla Kay Deardorff, who serves as a trustee of the Seminary.

It was certainly a leap of faith to sojourn to Richmond, Indiana — a place she had never visited before enrolling — and live apart from her husband, Matthew, a health care chaplain, and two college-age children. But she felt drawn to trying something unfamiliar as a way of connecting with core aspects of herself. 

“I like new [experiences], and I viewed coming to the Seminary and participating in Bethany BOLD as an opportunity for pilgrimage and retreat.” She particularly appreciated the opportunity to serve as an English language tutor for adults through two local organizations, Amigos and West Richmond Friends Meeting. She also valued keeping a journal and participating in weekly group reflections, to process her experiences in the program. The camaraderie the program provided was important to her after feeling isolated in her previous professional role. 

“It has been so important to be in community here, to appreciate what the experience has to offer, and to let myself be known through my service to others.” Incorvaia chose not to bring attention to her professional background, and especially the fact that she had already earned a doctorate, choosing instead to be known in ways that transcend specific credentials. 

During a year as a residential student, she has had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of courses — both at Bethany and Earlham School of Religion. She has appreciated opportunities to complete creative projects alongside more traditional academic work. She also cherished time closer to her mother, who lives in Ohio.

Reflecting on her past professional life, she admits, “I was addicted to achievement and motivated by vainglory. I needed to experience life outside of that world in order to figure out what I am being called to.”

Having completed a year and a half  in Richmond, she has returned to North Carolina, where she will complete a 200-hour practicum. 

“I am not certain what I will do next, but the experience of being in Seminary has made me more open to whatever comes,” she says.

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