Graduate Profile: Justin Janesko, MDiv '23

How I've Changed  

In a million tiny and incommunicable ways, but what jumps to mind: prior to HDS, I essentially had no experience in leadership and facilitation. My time in field ed and with the Harvard Buddhist Community gave my the opportunity to explore these spaces and gain confidence in my ability to hold a space. I am also incredibly grateful to the Harvard Buddhist Community for giving me my first taste of real community and spiritual friendship, which now feel essential to my own flourishing. 

Message of Thanks  

There are so many to thank! Thank yous to the hawks and the land on which HDS stands. Thanks to Charles Hallisey, Melissa Bartholomew, Julie Gillette, Mark Jordan, and all the other professor and staff who guided me during my time here. Thanks to all of my fellow students who journeyed with me, including those in my thesis cluster (Mac, Nicole, Aliza, Joelle, Courtney, Patrick, Shao-Wei), Sophia, all members of HBC and especially Chantal, Keila, and Maya. Thanks mom and dad for your constant love and support! And thank you to everyone I am forgetting or didn't name. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

Regardless of my hope, I imagine I will be remembered for my frequent lack of shoes. 

Future Plans 

I'm looking forward to a year of relative rest as I process what the past 20 or so years of education means and discern my next steps forward, to continuing to be in community with all the wondrous folks I met here, and to all the new and unknown connections, opportunities, and experiences that await me.