Graduate Profile: Ariella Gayotto Hohl, MDiv '24
How I've Changed
HDS is where I learned about the power of love. It started when I suddenly lost my father, the greatest love of my life, right before my third round of finals here. The impact of that loss while being immersed in scripture, faith, and community unlocked a painful but incredibly meaningful part of my life. I saw myself surrounded by so much care, I was given permission to feel and work through the hardest time of my life in my assignments and classes. I am coming out with a lot more than a Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Religion and Public Life. I became an artist here. A filmmaker, a published writer. I became a better friend and partner. A better sister, daughter, and aunt. A better ally to myself. It all emanated from how my grief taught me about how I was loved and how I want to love others. And that is a lesson I carry with me every day.
Memorable Moment
The day my father died, I texted one of my best friends, Alyjan Daya (MTS '23) and told him what had happened. It was the start of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. He asked if he could come over. Once I opened the door, not only was Alyjan there but what felt like the entire HDS Muslim community followed him into my small Harvard housing living room. They had all come straight from iftar at SOCH to my apartment. They all prayed with me, held my hand, and visibly felt my pain with me. I will never forget that.
Favorite Class or Professor
Dr. Hussein Rashid was the professor and mentor who had the greatest impact in my time at HDS. Even though we only met in my last year here, he quickly became my advisor, adoptive father and one of the most important people in my life. At a time of so much loss, he made me feel that what I had to say was significant and gave me the confidence (and the push!) to do more in one year than I even thought would be possible. He took me in as a daughter, student, and collaborator so generously. Not only have I become a better scholar through him, he also has made me a better Muslim by leading by example and being radically inclusive.
Message of Thanks
Sigh. A huge smile of gratitude just burst out of me as I think of the people I am about to mention. My dear friends, Alyjan, Sana, Fawaz, and Zehra. You were by my side physically, virtually, and spiritually through the hardest moment of my life. Your generosity towards me made me become more generous with myself. Knowing you exist made me realize that we don't always need to find community in big spaces of worship. That having four people that truly get you can be more valuable than 400 others who might not. My teachers, Professors Nurhaizatul Jamil, Rahina Muazu, Joyhanna Yoo Garza, Brandon Thomas Crowley. You were so kind to me. You made me feel like I had something important to say. And when my world fell apart, you made me feel enough in your classroom. The entire Religion and Public Life office, especially Hussein Rashid, Susie Hayward, Diane Moore, and Reem Atassi. Being part of RPL was hands down the best part of being at HDS. I owe a big chunk of my career today to your work, support, and kindness. Alex Kronemer (HDS '85) - I was meant to be your intern and (lo and behold!) you gave the opportunity (and huge responsibility) to star in your upcoming national broadcast production, "Islam's Greatest Love Stories." You are one of the kindest, genuinely good people I know. More than a career, you gave me a family, and that is more than I could ever have dreamed of. And last but not least - Drema Bowers, our assistant director for student support. If it wasn't for her, I would not have finished this degree. I will never forget that.
Future Plans
In my career, to keep serving my community through film as Assistant Producer at Unity Productions Foundation with my director, friend, and mentor Alex Kronemer. At home, to slow down, be present with my family and enjoy being alive. In my heart, to keep dreaming of a world where, in the words of Rumi, we shall live (and love) as if you and I never heard of a “you” and an “I”.