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
The best part of HDS really is the people, and I've grown so much just knowing you all. My peers are world-class thinkers, but more importantly they are world-class doers, change-makers, empaths. You've made me a more compassionate, confident scholar.
The saddest part of leaving for me is the time I missed with all of you. I'm so excited to watch you change the world.
Favorite Class or Professor
My work has benefitted immensely from incredible professors who exceeded expectations in every way. I especially want to thank my advisor, Charlie Stang, whose guidance and support from day one has been invaluable and who makes his students want to believe in themselves the way he does.
Message of Thanks
For something which I thought would be the most individual experience of my life, this sure was a group effort, and I owe a lot of thank-yous. To my friends John and Gio, Jimmy and Claire, Natalia and Lindsay, Lesedi, Saum, Shira, and so many others who shared their brilliance with me.
To three strangers I met through Craigslist who became my support system, who read my papers and filled up my life.
To my best friends who encouraged me to go for it three years ago—now living all over, starting your own degree programs, having babies, buying houses. I can’t believe how fast time is going. I’m so grateful we’re doing life together.
To my family, all its branches, and especially my mom and dad, who have gone above and beyond. Brother Cornel West says that justice is what love looks like in public, and you two work to embody that more than anyone I know.
Future Plans
This fall I'll be moving to New York City to pursue a doctorate in Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity at Fordham University.