Student Activities and Interviews

Aliza Abolafia smiles looking at the camera

Graduate Profile: Aliza Abolafia, MDiv '23

May 15, 2023

Memorable Moment 

Dancing ecstatically among friends (for the first time since the beginning of Covid) at the wonderful and insanely talented Idgy Dean’s (AKA Lindsey Sandwald, MDiv ’22) "one-woman mystical rock opera." Jews for Liberation Purim Spiel 2023 (especially sitting in the audience with Mauricio during the dress rehearsal). Community Tea outside on the HDS Campus Green on warm, sunny afternoons. Spiritual Care and Counseling triad with Purnajan and Nate. The guided Interior Castle meditation led by Stephanie Paulsell during our Teresa of...

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Shuangyi Zhang, MTS '23

Graduate Profile: Shuangyi Zhang, MTS '23 

May 15, 2023

How I've Changed  

Before coming here, I already knew I wanted to become a scholar. However, I was not sure about what I should study, or rather, I was not entirely confident in my chosen topic: religion and video games. However, my experience at HDS reinforced my confidence in this chosen path, as people here are nothing but supportive towards this slightly new and niche topic. I leave HDS with renewed courage and a plan for how to construct my thoughts into reality. 

Memorable Moment 

Interestingly...

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Aliyah Collins seated looking at the camera

Graduate Profile: Aliyah Simone Collins, MDiv '23

May 15, 2023

How I've Changed  

My HDS journey has been very transformational. Since I began, I have gained so many skills, insights, and opportunities that will shape the trajectory of my life.

Memorable Moment 

My most memorable moment at HDS was the Black Religion, Spirituality, and Culture Conference. So impactful. 

Favorite Class or Professor 

My favorite class was "African Religions in the Diaspora" with Professor Jacob Olupona. 

Message of...

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Shani Agarwal

Graduate Profile: Shani Agarwal, MTS '23 

May 15, 2023

How I've Changed  

I was humbled by the wonderful scholars around me from whom I was able to learn so much! I also became more confident in my own scholarship and my unique perspective. Perhaps most importantly, my faith was strengthened and deepened through the community I found at Harvard and in Cambridge, Mass. 

Memorable Moment 

Long conversations with the friends I made about life and all its mysteries and wonders! 

Favorite Class or Professor 

Kimberley...

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Sana Aslam, MTS '23

Graduate Profile: Sana Aslam, MTS '23

May 15, 2023

How I've Changed  

I have become a lot more grateful for beauty in the everyday! 

Memorable Moment 

Making lifelong friends and soul sisters in Emily Chaudhari and Prabhroop Chawla, as well as being in community with so many inspiring, wonderful folks! 

Favorite Class or Professor 

So many! But to name three: Professor Ali Asani's class on the "Devotional Literatures of South Asia," for teaching me about the concept of "rasa" in South Asian poetics, an...

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Image of Ebony West in a yellow shirt

Graduate Profile: Ebony Casandra West, MDiv '23

May 11, 2023

How I've Changed  

I have become a more open-minded individual when it comes to religion, social groups, and personal interests. I have explored much more here than I have in any academic setting. As a non-denominational Christian, I have enjoyed learning and practicing Buddhist meditations, studying Hindu goddesses, and branching out more than ever. The friend groups I have developed are outside what the younger me ever imagined. I've become gentle with myself, which feels absolutely freeing. 

Memorable Moment ...

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Headshot of Morgan Curtis

Graduate Profile: Morgan Hodgson Curtis, MTS '23

May 11, 2023

How I've Changed  

When I applied to come to HDS I said in my essay I would “dedicate my study at Harvard to the racial reckoning that is long overdue in this country.” I am so grateful to have been able to do that in ways I could not have imagined or predicted, from engaging with Harvard’s Legacy of Slavery process, to offering a student-led course with Emma Thomas (MDiv ‘24) titled “Ancestors & Money: the Spiritual Dimension of Reparations Work for White People,” to supporting my friend and collaborator Dr. David Ragland to bring his...

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Kevin Ross at a podium

Graduate Profile: Kevin Kitrell Ross, MRPL '23

May 11, 2023

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...

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Cristian Piazzetta takes a selfie

Graduate Profile: Cristian Antoni Piazzetta, MTS '23

May 11, 2023

How I've Changed 

Coming to Harvard Divinity School was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. As I came from a different country (Brazil), this transition represented a significant shift in many aspects—socially, culturally, financially to cite a few. In reality, it was a most rewarding experience to have joined an amazing and diverse group of students and professors who helped approach the study of religion in meaningful and profound ways. After virtually two years of thinking, listening, dialoguing and writing (of course!), I hope...

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