#  Graduate Profile: Haley Griese, MTS '23 

 





May 15, 2023

 

 

     ![Haley Griese smiles at the camera.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hds2/files/6x4_haleygriese.png?itok=4BYUESEu) 

Haley Griese. Photo courtesy of Haley Griese.

 



 

**How I've Changed**

Over these past two years, I have grown immensely. Returning to school helped me shape a vision for my life and gave me the resources to set out in its pursuit. This time was transformative; I am humbled by the entire experience.

**Message of Thanks**

None of this would be possible without the relentless support of my loved ones, teachers, and especially my parents. I am proud to be a first-generation graduate student, and eternally grateful that they made this dream a reality for me. Mom and Dad: thank you for teaching me to shape my life with passion. Thank you for the gift of education. Thank you for all you sacrificed so I can live my dreams. Thank you for your unflinching love, support, and belief in me, across all my endeavors. I could not possibly thank you enough. I love you always.

In addition to all of my professors, I must thank my advisor, Professor David Lamberth, who has supported my intellectual and professional development since my first term at HDS. His thoughtful feedback on my writing and engagement with my ideas throughout this master’s program made me get out of my own way and realize my dream of pursuing a PhD. I look forward to continuing our work together in the coming years!

Without my undergraduate mentor, Professor Kevin Wolfe, I would not have considered studying religion, let alone attending divinity school. I am indebted to him for all the years (nine and counting!) of patient mentorship and fostering my intellectual curiosity. Thanks to Kevin, I am haunted by the call to “tell a better story.”

Much is owed to my interlocutors and fellow students. Thank you for putting in the work, for losing sleep over phenomenology to make our seminar discussions the best they can be, and for engaging with my rambling as we collaboratively work through ideas. You, my greatest teachers, breathe life into this work. It’s a gift to live the life of the mind, but it would be untenably lonely without your companionship.

To everyone—named and unnamed—thank you for accompanying me on this journey. I look forward to many more years of conversation.

**Future Plans**

In the fall, I will begin my doctoral studies at Harvard in religion, focusing on technology, ethics, and faith. I am delighted for this opportunity to deepen my scholarship and grow intellectually. Time to figure out what the A.I. is up to.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Commencement ](/topic-tags/commencement)
- [ Commencement 2023 ](/topic-tags/commencement-2023)