Graduate Profile: Kayla Blythe Bach, MTS '23

How I've Changed  

Before I arrived at HDS and right after graduating with my bachelor's degree, I compiled a list of the lessons I had learned during my undergraduate years as a way to reflect and remember some of the best classes, most memorable moments, and transformative experiences from my college experience. I expected that, throughout my master's program, I would do the same. Instead, I ended up starting a list of questions. Notably, this was not a planned effort as my list of "lessons learned" had been; rather, it grew organically as I had different conversations with my peers and teachers. My time at HDS not only taught me incredible lessons, but it also showed me what more I want to learn after I graduate. In that way, it helped me understand myself and my priorities on a deeper level. 

Memorable Moment 

It would be impossible to select only one moment from my time at HDS as the most memorable. However, I can say that many of the most impactful moments have been times when I learned more about my peers and professors. The paths they've been on, the experiences they've had, and the questions they're asking in their research and advocacy work have inspired me throughout the past two years. Although there are many wonderful benefits that come from attending a place like Harvard Divinity School, I think one of the absolute best parts is the people you learn from, both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Message of Thanks  

First and foremost, I would like to express my thanks for my grandfather Dr. Reed M. Powell, who gave me my Harvard dream. As a little girl, he told me about Harvard and helped me believe I was capable of studying at a place like this. My grandmother, Kathryn A. R. Powell, was an enthusiastic student of religion her whole life, and she showed me from an early age that women belonged in the center of theological conversations. My mother, Blythe P. Bach, spent years helping me along my academic pathway, inspiring and comforting me at every turn. I would not be where I am today without her influence. My father, Stephen E. Bach, always told me to do all that I could to develop myself and reach my full potential. His enthusiasm for my accomplishments has always been present at each stage of my life. His mother, my granny Joan P. K. Bach, inspired me by pursuing her bachelor's and master's degrees later in life when the opportunity was denied to her at a younger age. So many of my dear friends and loved ones have played a key role in the development of my plans and dreams through countless conversations and shared experiences. A special thanks goes to my wonderful husband, Dayne O. Bloxham, who has been my partner and best friend throughout this entire experience. His total willingness to pick up his own life and move to Cambridge to support my dream of attending HDS is a gift I will never forget. I can't end the expression of my gratitude for my education without mentioning the amazing advocates for women's education who cleared the pathway for me to be able to attend this institution, as well as those working in the present for justice and equality. Last but not least, I am grateful to God for loving me and my questions, and for inspiring me to keep searching for answers.