Graduate Profile: Anna Kathryn Del Castillo, MDiv '21

May 18, 2021
Anna Kathryn Del Castillo, MDiv '21
Anna Kathryn Del Castillo, MDiv '21 / Courtesy photo

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

"You carry all the ingredients to turn your existence into JOY. Mix them, mix them."—Hafez 

Class of 2021, you taught me how to turn my existence into joy. Thank you for the light and love you pour into me and the world. May we leave this place and create the better world that is possible. With endless love and solidarity, Anna.

Messages of Thanks

I would like to thank my fellow classmates. Lesedi, Charlotte, Eboni, Tara, Melissa, Kayla, Malini ... too many names and faces to list. Students at HDS have informed my spiritual walk in profound ways. I am grateful for midnight conversations, radical vulnerability, and cups of tea and gratitude that were shared over the last three years. Thanks you class of 2021.

Charlotte Zelle is more than a friend and classmate, she is my sister. I believe that God places people and opportunities into my life at the moment I need them most, and meeting Charlotte was a God moment.

Charlotte, thank you for late nights of thesis writing over take out, long talks and walks, moments of laughter and love. You are such a gift, and I am beyond grateful that HDS and this MDiv program brought us together. Te amo amiga

Memorable Moment

During a noon service in the HDS chapel I remember feeling an overwhelming connection to God and the beautiful community members around me. As the choir sang and the sun danced through the windows, I felt supremely at home. I will never forget that feeling of belonging. HDS has a magical way of cultivating joy and connection.

Favorite Class or Professor

My favorite class at HDS was "Narratives of Belonging and Displacement" with Professor Diane Moore. Through this course I traveled to Palestine with the teaching team and other students in the class. It was one of the most transformational and eye-opening experiences of my life.

What I Hope to Be Remembered By

I hope to be remembered as someone who lived her faith out loud. I hope to be remembered by kindness, integrity, and a passion to pursue the better world that is possible.