Graduate Profile: Claire Mackenzie Rensunberg, MDiv '24

How I've Changed  

Honestly, I feel more myself since coming to HDS. Courses allowed me to think deeply on matters of traumatic experience, grief, and the resilience of healing. In studying these matters in many of my chaplaincy classes, I found it both fairly simple and incredibly pertinent to integrate into my own life. I feel so in tune with the beauty of the simple and subliminal things and am so grateful to my peers for what I've continued to learn about the embodied nature of the silly and sacred. 

Message of Thanks  

My best friend and spouse, Micah Rensunberg, always reminds me of exactly how expansive the world of expression can be; alongside them I'm grateful for the tender home and family we continue to choose together—especially Cewey, Cap, and the Pinkies. My former field education supervisor and good friend Elle Marston has taught me so much about the importance of slowing down, tending to myself, and connecting to a greater sense of spirituality in the natural world. I'm thankful to the many friends I met in my time at Beacon Hill Friends House who spent innumerable hours talking with me after dinner: Lahari Indriganti, Ro Robinson, Eva Whittaker, and all their stuffed pals are of extra special note here. Thank you to the rest of my family for their support, including Naina Singh for daring me to apply to HDS. Lastly, of course, I am so grateful to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stranger Things, Lizzo, Wild Rivers, and the many works of Mike Flanagan for lending a hand in the arduous tasks of getting all my work done and staying connected to the world itself. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

I hope to be remembered by my "Sharks, Spiritual Care, and Sublimity" oracle card deck made in "Introduction to Ministry Studies," my relentless references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and children's literature, and my continued commitment to bringing stuffed animals to class. 

Future Plans 

I plan to rewatch Doctor Who, take many long naps, write tender poetry, and try new and sweet flavors of tea and ice cream. I cannot know what the future will hold and am excited to witness the ways I'm sure I'll continue to grow into myself throughout a lifetime; I hope to explore the silly, sacred, and serious with as many lovely humans as will adventure alongside me.