Graduate Profile: Cristian Antoni Piazzetta, MTS '23

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 not only to be a better participant in the academic study of religion but also a more compassionate and empathetic human being. 

Memorable Moment 

I will definitely keep many memorable moments from my time at HDS. I will never forget, for instance, the wonderful evenings in the Intermediate Greek I and II classes, where we not only studied ancient Greek but had a lot of fun! In addition, one of the most incredible moments of my program was an archaeological trip to Israel/Palestine with Prof. Giovanni Bazzana, where we explored in situ many of the sites we studied in class. This field trip made the ancient world come alive to me in an incredible way. Simply unforgettable! 

Favorite Class or Professor 

I truly enjoyed all my classes and learned a lot from all the professors I had the opportunity to work with. Prof. Annette Reed's fabulous scholarship on Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity impacted me in profound ways, making me reconsider many of my previous assumptions in the study of religion. In addition, her sympathetic and light-hearted way of conducting classes resonated a lot with me. I hope to replicate this with my own students when my time comes. 

Message of Thanks  

My sincere gratitude goes to everyone who, in one way or another, offered me help throughout my journey here. In particular, my deepest thankfulness to my incredible wife Tassia and my beloved daughter Isabella Louise—without their unconditional love and support I would simply not have been able to see this through. I also have a huge gratitude for professors Kimberley Patton, Annette Reed and Giovanni Bazzana for sharing many moments of insight and inspiration. Their mentorship and friendship meant a lot to me. It was an immense pleasure to work with you! 

Future Plans 

I am delighted to say that I will be staying at Harvard to begin my doctoral program in the Committee on the Study of Religion next fall. I look forward to seeing the faculty, staff, and some of my fellow HDS students next year!