#  Graduate Profile: Tianyi Yuan, MDiv '23  

 





May 15, 2023

 

 

     ![Tianyi Yuan](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hds2/files/6x4_tianyiyuan.png?itok=YPz7Kv1s) 

Photo courtesy of Tianyi Yuan

 



 

 **How I've Changed**

 I learned to doubt myself with confidence, hold my ground with compassion, and always be open to learning with a critical mind. I also had the opportunity to face many character-building difficulties, such as rejections by doctoral programs. I testified my real compassion for learning and academia.

 **Memorable Moment**

 HDS was my dream school. Without exaggeration, I had been living in my earlier dream at HDS. So, every day was memorable at HDS. If you force me to say something, I would say my first day on campus after the year of COVID restriction.

 **Favorite Class or Professor**

 Is this a question urging favoritism? Since it is a question, there must be an answer, which I shall provide. From Professor Charles Stang, I learned to always inquire like a real philosopher and a cool person.

 From Professor James Robson, I learned to really love learning and always be serious with each scholarly responsibility.

 From Professor Michael Puett, I learned to be always ready to think deeply but show a smiling face to others.

 From Professor Peter Bol, I learned to take and give criticisms as a responsible scholar.

 From Professor Kevin Madigan and Professor Stephanie Paulsell, I learned to listen with candid kindness and always be able to see the good side of many things.

 From Professor Benjamin H. Dunning, I learned how a truly kind and wise scholar should be like.

 From Professor Karen King, I learned to think critically, not with a will to destroy, but with compassion to humanity.

 From Professor Francis X Clooney, I learned to say profound and responsible things with humor.

 From Dr. Ute Possekel, I learned to be really serious about my work.

 From Dr. Michael Ennis, I learned to treat each one with kindness and open discussion.

 From Dr. Elon Goldstein, I learned to speak and argue with candidness.

 From Dr. Barakatullo Ashurov, I learned to have infinite courage and confidence.

 **Message of Thanks**

 I would like to thank all the aforementioned teachers who transformed me as a human being: Professor Charles Stang, Professor James Robson, Professor Michael Puett, Professor Peter Bol, Professor Kevin Madigan, Professor Stephanie Paulsell, Professor Benjamin H. Dunning, Professor Karen King, Professor Francis X Clooney, Dr. Ute Possekel, Dr. Michael Ennis, Dr. Elon Goldstein, and Dr. Barakatullo Ashurov.

 I am also grateful to Rev. Burns Stanfield, who showed me how to be a good pastor, a good teacher, a good father, and a good friend. I will also remember Dr. Marian Simion, who showed me how to be a hero and peace-maker with our individual capacity.

 I am also thankful to Laura Tuach, Clarrisa Flores, and Patty Simpson, without whom my field education would not have been done, and who gave me help with I was most in need. Also, thanks to my wonderful roommate, Yisi Liu (MTS '23), a scholar and a gentleman, and other friends at HDS.

 Thanks to HDS Catholics and Friends, Virginia Schilder, Gianluca Avanzato, Leander Krawinskel, who helped me to see who am I.

 Finally, my deepest thanks to my mother, Ling Wei, and father, Jinghong Yuan. They are my earth and heaven. Ah, one more thing, my gratitude to the Lord Above, who led me to HDS, who accompanied me here, and who continues to guide me.

 **What I Hope to Be Remembered By**

 Forget me.

 **Future Plans**

 I will enter my second MA program in either Semitics studies or comparative theology (since this summer), reapply for doctoral programs after two years, and take all the challenges to be a real scholar.



 

 

 



 

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