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.
Words of Inspiration
Of the communities I’ve had the privilege of being a part of in my life, few compare to those I’ve found at HDS. To my friends on the HDSSA, thank you for the unrelenting support and for teaching me how service and advocacy takes shape. To my friends at the Pluralism Project, thank you for your curious minds, endless shenanigans, and for entertaining my goofy proposals. And to all my friends in between, thank you for your listening, for your company, and for your care.
I leave HDS, and I am grateful for the place it has been to me, and I know it will always be a place to come home to.
How I've Changed
I’ve become better acquainted with humility and with patience. I’ve gained clarity on what I hope to do with my life. And I’ve rekindled my love of creative writing, which had been largely dormant since childhood.
Memorable Moment
Professor Cornel West’s address at convocation in the fall of 2019. It was awesome, and that’s all I have to say.
Favorite Class or Professor
Professor David Holland and my first semester theories and methods section! Prof. Holland is a rare sort of teacher, a real gift to the community. And as for section, somehow I lucked out with a rad group of folks at HDS and I learned, and continue to learn, so much from those humans.
Message of Thanks
My roommates, Salaam Sbini and Reem Shaikh for their friendship and for feeding and entertaining me (respectively). My dear friend, Lesedi Graveline for being a generally wonderful human who taught me the importance of being honest with oneself and unabashed about needing to sometimes take a step back.
The incomparable Malini Srikrishna whose passion for principled service and advocacy inspires me everyday, and from whom I have learned the importance of humility in seeing out the work of justice. My Pluralism Project homies, whom I thank eternally for always lifting my spirits.
And last but not least, my dear friend, mentee, student affairs chair successor, and soul sister, Noor Traina, in whom I have found a spiritual companion. I thank her for teaching me so much about God, devotion, and friendship. HDS is truly lucky to have her.
Future Plans
To serve, whatever that looks like. To write, however that takes shape.