Message of Thanks
While I would like to thank all of my professors at HDS, there are a couple of professors without whom getting here would not have been possible. I want to thank Mike Delaney for the countless office hours, support, and guidance throughout my entire journey of academic, personal, and vocational growth with the Religion and Public Life Program. I can wholeheartedly say that I am lucky I got to begin and end my time at this institution with such an influential figure in the humanitarian sector. I also want to thank Dr. Healan Gaston for providing me with academic spaces to research more unconventional topics like the Salem Witch Trials, the Lavender Scare, and Trump’s 2017 Muslim Ban. I would also like to thank Shaul Magid for supporting my research and vocational path in Holocaust and genocide public education and research.
Finally, I want to thank my undergraduate advisor and mentor, Dr. Damon Berry at St. Lawrence University. My journey in religious studies began during college on the first day of Damon’s “Cults and New Religious Movements” course in the spring of 2018. Little did I know then, but this was the beginning of my trajectory towards HDS, a path I never would have considered previously. Thank you for all the short notice mentoring sessions, your unwavering support, and for being one of my biggest academic/vocational cheerleaders!
What I Hope to Be Remembered By
Vocationally, I hope to be remembered as an advocate for a world of just peace through my commitment to fighting social injustice against state violence and the rise of authoritarianism. On a personal level, I hope people remember me for being unapologetically myself, remembering my infectious laugh, smile, and hospitality – the watercolor memories scattered with joy, hope, solidarity, and forgiveness.
Future Plans
Following graduation, I plan on staying in New England for a couple of months, spending the summer reconnecting with nature and recentering my mind, body, and soul. I will continue my role as a facilitator with Amideast’s Qisasna Program (an intercultural, virtual exchange program), connecting American undergraduate students with Yemeni undergraduate students to find common ground, build podcasting skills, and foster friendships. It is my belief that programs such as these will lead peace-building efforts for future generations.