HDS communications reached out to our 2021 graduating students to hear from them in their own words about their experiences at HDS, the people who've helped and inspired them along their grad school journeys, and their plans for the future.
How I've Changed
I came to HDS with a lot of confidence in my own convictions. Despite my young age, or perhaps because of it, I thought that I had the answers to many complicated issues in the world.
Throughout my time at HDS, I slowly learned about issues I had not understood, perspectives I had never considered, and possibilities I could never have imagined. Although my younger self did have a lot to offer, I am glad to have honed my ability to look outside of myself for answers, rather than relying on my own imperfect instincts.
Because of all the ways that the HDS community has lovingly challenged me, I listen to others, engage with texts, and see the world in ways I had never thought possible.
Message of Thanks
I thank my family for nurturing and supporting me. I thank Paul for being the only person I could ever want by my side every day. I thank all the people who made a home with me over the past three years and put up with my daily therapeutic shower singing.
I thank Lucia for being the best mentor I could have asked for. I thank Sheehan for his patience and generosity towards me and so many other students. I thank Tim for helping me become excited about my future when the future seemed most bleak.
I thank all of the amazing instructors I have been fortunate to learn from at Harvard (in chronological order): Prof. Sanchez, Haruka, Adrian, Prof. Ragab, Prof. Weld, Eileen, Dan, Siobhan, Ethan, Prof. Hollywood, Prof. Gyatso, Prof. Parmigiani.
Each of you has given me invaluable gifts that I will carry with me for years to come. And to my classmates, you are all amazing and have inspired me every day for three years. I have learned so much from so many of you. My biggest HDS regret is not trying harder to spend more time with you all. Please keep in touch!
Future Plans
I plan to keep learning from the world around me and helping others learn as well. Immediately after graduating, I am excited to be moving to Hawaii with my partner. Beyond that, I am not quite sure what else is in store! But I am grateful for the confidence HDS has given me in adapting to whatever context
I may find myself in the coming years and beyond.