How I've Changed
Since coming to Harvard Divinity School, I have developed a deep appreciation for my situatedness, and the power of living and speaking and engaging people from this place. It has provided me with a clearer insight into myself, my story, the story of my people, and an appreciation for the rich depth, that my friends at HDS carry within their stories.
Memorable Moment
I was deeply moved by the Celebration of Life service that we held in tribute to the late Harriet A. Jacobs. This was the culmination of an amazing class that Dr. Melissa Bartholomew on “Exploring Racial Healing and Justice through the Life of Harriet A. Jacobs.“ All of my friends and I, along with faculty and key leaders in the community participated in this moving tribute. In general, many of my greatest moments of seeing HDS at its best occurred in the various planning and prayer meetings, Restorative Circles, affinity groups, and larger community gatherings that were generated by the Common Read, "Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery" led by Dr. Melissa and Dr. Steph. Kudos to the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and the Racial Healing and Justice Committee. These moments leave me inspired about the future of HDS and the future of our world.
Favorite Class or Professor
This is a dangerous question and it would be impossible to limit to one—especially since I love so many of my professors and I am so grateful in so many different ways for how each of their classes impacted my life. Please allow me to acknowledge two professors who stretched me in significant ways. Dr. Diane Moore, my Faculty Director of the Master of Religion and Public Life cohort pushed me to “think long thoughts” and “wrestle with complexity” and not run from it. I discovered a dormant dimension of myself that now goes with me and I will be able to apply this new capacity in so many aspects of my life. Dr. Tracey Hucks admitted me into her course entitled “The Book of Baldwin,” which was a transformational journey digging deeply into a close read on the life of James Baldwin. This course opened my soul raw and brought me under the soul-scrubbing scrutiny of Baldwin’s truth-telling. Every week was a soul-searching confessional and a truth-telling critique—mine, my colleagues’, Hucks’, and Baldwin’s. I am forever changed because of it.
Message of Thanks
I have a tremendous appreciation for the team in the Office of Student Life at HDS. Even with bumps in the road, they are among the hardest working team at HDS—ensuring that the trains run on time for a multitude of student organizations, faculty events and a host of fine details that make things flow smoothly for student life. I especially see happy faces at Community Tea. Thank you Katie, Hyunju, and Sam. You feed us. You serve us. You see us. And we see you too.
What I Hope to Be Remembered By
I hope to be remembered by my kindness. And for the incredible moments created with Harambee and BBSNAX at Spades University!!! Check out some of our magic moments here at: spadesuniversity.com
Future Plans
Stay tuned for coming attractions.