Graduate Profile: Kidron Grace Martin, MTS '25

Memorable Moment

One of my most memorable moments at HDS has to be when I shared the news with my closest friends at HDS about what I would be doing next. I will never forget the looks of their faces, or their screams (and punches) of pure joy and excitement for me as I told them that I would be attending Georgetown this fall for a PhD program there. That moment for me was the epitome of the community at HDS, which is something that I will truly miss as I leave this place. I only just met these friends at the start of last school year, yet they have quickly become some of my biggest supporters, closest friends, and trusted confidants. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to meet them through HDS, and I know, and hope, that our friendship will last for the years to come.

Message of Thanks  

I would love to take the opportunity to thank my parents for supporting me in this academic journey, encouraging me to steadfastly pursue the truth, and for the love they have always shown me. I never would have imagined majoring in religious studies and subsequently coming to HDS had it not been for the encouragement from my parents as the result of several deep conversations with them, and for that I am eternally grateful. I am also grateful that they have always motivated me to not let my disability of hearing loss define me, allowing me to accomplish whatever I set my mind to, as I was not considered different in their eyes. I also have to thank my good friends at HDS, including Maddi, Grace, Lorenny, and Kenya. Thank you for all of the joy and laughter, and for always being there in the tough moments we have faced together. Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful adviser, David Holland, for always making time for me, and for his invaluable and inspirational advice and knowledge that he shared with me during my short time at HDS. My HDS experience would not have been what it was without the genuine care from and the conversations that I had with Professor Holland. I am also extremely grateful for his steadfast and reliable leadership at HDS. Thank you!

What I Hope to Be Remembered By

I hope to be remembered by my ability to listen to others, for my deep commitment to my friendships, as well as my ability to care for others, which I'd like to think is the result of growing up as a big sister to three wonderful, kind, and supportive siblings.

And as Lorenny said, I hope I am remembered for my red hair, bright blue jacket, and my obsession with playing ultimate frisbee and laying out for insane catches!

Future Plans

I will be attending Georgetown University in the fall for their PhD program in theological and religious studies! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to study perspectives of disability within Christianity, and I look forward to diving deeper into the intersection of disability and religious studies through the program. I cannot wait to live in D.C. soon! I hope to continue playing ultimate frisbee there, in addition to visiting my HDS friends at all of their amazing new jobs and programs!