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
My eyes have been opened to see the world around me more clearly. I see through the eyes and experiences of people who were less visible to me before coming to HDS. The Arts of Ministry gave my sense of justice definition. Racial Justice and Healing, Public Leadership, Peace Building and other arts combined to add purpose and awareness to my life—body, mind, and spirit. My voice is stronger and my influence greater as a result of my HDS experience. I hope to be a bridge, a peacemaker, and a loving friend in a world at war over culture, religion, politics, ethics and self-righteousness. I pray others will join me and know my classmates and faculty at HDS will be working along side me on many shared causes and goals to make this world become what Jesus stands for in my view.
Message of Thanks
My voice recording thanked all the faculty members who taught me along the way. I would also like to thank those who came before and made straight the path I walked. I am grateful for the Arts of Ministry and for the engagement of HDS in Religion, Politics, and Ethics and in Religion, Business, and Ethics with HBS and HKS. The problems and opportunities we face as a world need this combination (religion, politics, business ) to reach successful solutions.
Prayer is underestimated so let us pray for the right way. Religion is perhaps the most powerful motivator for good and unfortunately sometimes evil, so I hope to be among those who make faith, for me my Christian faith, the greatest force for good on Planet Earth and beyond.
Reflection
At this time of my HDS graduation, I reflect on those who inspired, touched or enlightened me over the years. I have lived a One Harvard experience across the graduate schools with degrees from HBS, Extension, GSAS, and HDS, as well as special student coursework at HLS and HKS. My recent years associated with HDS and Mem Church have opened my eyes to the challenges so many face near and far. I re-enter the world beyond our ivy-covered walls more aware, more vulnerable, more determined. I pray for the opportunity to make an even bigger positive difference with so many new allies.
Future Plans
I am going to continue my ministry started in my field education as guided by HDS faculty member Dr. K. Healan Gaston and honed by all of my courses and the faculty at HDS. I plan to combine my education at HDS and HBS with my work experience and my philanthropy to pursue new ventures that promote the ministry of Racial, Justice, and Healing. I want to help those who Jesus called "the least of these," who are children of God, our sisters and brothers. I especially want to help children, orphans and the poor, who have little chance in our world today. I hope to strengthen the bonds with HDS and Harvard as an alum.