#  Graduate Profile: Ashlyn Wimberly, MTS '23 

 





May 15, 2023

 

 

     ![Ashlyn Wimberly looking at the camera standing outside](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hds2/files/6x4_ashlynwimberly.png?itok=5bRTj97R) 

Ashlyn Wimberly. Photo courtesy Ashlyn Wimberly

 



 

**How I've Changed**

My sleep schedule is definitely worse for wear, and I think my blood caffeine content is probably well above the advised limit. I was definitely scarred by some of the writings from Professor Dunning's "History of Ancient Christianity" course but greatly enriched by others, so I think it evens out in the end. I also discovered that it takes approximately 400 Greek vocab notecards to completely cover a bedroom and solve the conspiracy that is the Elementary Greek final exam. But unfortunately, even after two years of being asked at the beginning of every single class, I still don’t know the answer to the question, “What is religion?”

**Favorite Class or Professor**

Although the intricacies of ancient Roman physiology are weirder than I ever thought possible, “History of Ancient Christianity” was one of my favorite courses. The questions and discussions my section raised were always intriguing, and it was fun to dive into the material with fellow classmates who share a love of everything the New Testament/Early Christianity has to offer. I am also incredibly grateful for Professor Dunning’s expertise, humor, frankness, and investment in both the academic and ministerial aspects of studying religion. His class was always a lovely (sometimes much needed) reminder of why I enjoy what I study and why I want to one day teach it.

**Message of Thanks**

To Mom and Dad—Thanks for always supporting the dreams of that little girl who just wanted to go to Harvard and be tall enough to get ice out of the freezer. You made 1,864 miles feel like no distance at all. To my roommates-comma-friends—Thank you for keeping me sane when I needed to chill and driving me insane when I needed to lighten up. The HDS experience would have been nothing without your laughter, kindness, and love of joy. To Michelle Sanchez—Thank you for advocating for me. I, quite literally, would not have graduated without it.

**Future Plans**

Next year I will start my PhD in religion with a concentration in New Testament at Baylor University. I am excited to sit under the endless Texas sunsets, finally get a dog, eat real Mexican food, and drive my car again.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Student Activities and Interviews ](/discover-stories-about/student-activities-and-interviews)
- [ Commencement ](/topic-tags/commencement)
- [ Commencement 2023 ](/topic-tags/commencement-2023)