Journeying with Students Pursuing Lay and Ordained Vocations

As the Associate Dean of Students for Virginia Theological Seminary, Rachelle Sam, MDiv '10, is serving her community and bringing others together.

Rachelle Sam, MDiv '10, Associate Dean of Students, Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA)

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Describe the work you do today:

I serve as the Associate Dean of Students for Virginia Theological Seminary. In this role, I oversee admissions and recruitment, manage housing, coordinate formation programming and student life, and journey with students as they pursue lay and ordained vocations.

How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?

HDS provided both rich academic and community experiences, allowing me to see how faith can transform communities and shape lives—determining hopes and aspirations, and giving meaning to the everyday. After leaving HDS, I started teaching religion at an Episcopal boarding school where I discovered a call to ordained ministry. HDS taught me to love the questions, the journey, the seemingly random encounters that open up new opportunities to love, and serve others.

What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?

The world needs more humanists and folks who can listen deeply, think critically, and bring others together. Use field education opportunities to expand career possibilities. Pick something that is beyond your comfort zone.