Graduate Profile: Kenya Christina Chandler, MTS ‘25 

How I've Changed  

I’ve changed the way I perceive religion and how it works between humans, as well as how it works between humans and God. I’ve learned valuable new ways to approach scripture and the communities around it, and I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the historical context of the texts themselves, as well as how they move through time and place, ever evolving in form, language, and efficacy. 

Memorable Moment 

My most memorable moment was seeing snow for the first time in my life. I’m from South Florida so I’ve never gotten the chance to see it or play in it. I also saw the seasons change and experienced the leaves changing colors and the spring buds opening up on the trees. 

Favorite Class or Professor 

My favorite class was “Intro to the New Testament” with Dr. Benjamin Dunning. It has forever changed how I go about reading and analyzing biblical texts. 

Message of Thanks  

I’d like to thank Doctors Giovanni Bazzana and Annette Yoshiko Reed for their guidance and for their interesting courses. If I ever become a Professor, I’d model myself on them, both for their incredible insights and for their love for their fields of study. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

I can’t say if I hope to be remembered, it is not something I have ever considered. I’m just happy to have had the chance to be “present” in the first place. 

Future Plans 

I plan to continue pursuing a PhD, but in the meantime, I will be focusing on maintaining my studies and languages.