Graduate Profile: Sarah E. Capers, MDiv '25
Sarah E. Capers, MDiv '25
"I arrived at HDS and let the texts and scriptures and friendships and rituals pour into me, swirl around and reorganize me from the inside out. I was, as Prof. Hallisey says of meaningful scholarship, “called into question.”
How I've Changed
On admitted students day, when my soon-to-be friend Nicole asked why I came to Divinity School, I answered honestly: I don’t really know. I had a rationale, a story that made sense in the narrative of my life, but the truth was I felt a pull, a soft nudge, a call I didn’t have language for. Then I arrived at HDS and let the texts and scriptures and friendships and rituals pour into me, swirl around and reorganize me from the inside out. I was, as Prof. Hallisey says of meaningful scholarship, “called into question.”
How have I changed? In more ways than I can name. And though I still don’t know exactly why I came here, at HDS I was introduced to a Zen koan that will stay with me for the rest of my days: “Not knowing is most intimate.”
Memorable Moment
The memory bubbling to the surface is my first Seasons of Light service. We filled the James Room with songs and poetry and sent candlelight around the room. I left that evening with a sense of deep, embodied hope and Taizé ringing in my ears: “Our darkness is never darkness in your sight, the deepest night is clear as the daylight.”
Message of Thanks
This list will only ever be partial and incomplete, but I offer it with a full heart.
To my adviser, Kimberly Patton, who co-divined my course load each semester and provided robust counsel in moments of disorientation. To my thesis adviser and professor, Stephanie Paulsell, and teaching fellow, Akhil Thomas, who read into my writing something original and continue to nurture my life on the page.
To my professors, who gave generously of their minds, hearts, and attention, especially Kathleen Coleman, Dan McKanan, Matt Potts, Charles Hallisey, Chris Berlin, Cheryl Giles, Regina Walton, Ana Harmon, Teddy Hickman-Maynard, Laura Tuach, Derek van Bever, Patty Simpson, Terry Tempest-Williams, and Chris Robichaud. I would take courses with you forever.
To Jennie Gould and Jill Gaulding, who each in their own way showed me the transformative and healing power of chaplaincy through their boundless love and steadfast presence. Thank you for your ministry.
To my friends at HDS, who spin two-minute chats into hours of deep conversation. The meaning that emerged in the middle of things will stay with me most of all. And to my friends and family beyond this place, thank you for your enthusiasm for this season of study, for seeing the path, and cheering me forward.
To Bailey, Elizabeth, and Tori, who opened your home during this wild ride. Your friendship and the mutual-miracle of BVP have been among this chapter's greatest blessings.
To Mom, for weekend visits, sweet talks on the couch, and your insatiable mind. And to Dad and Nance, for FaceTimes, beach walks, and your ceaseless encouragement. Thank you for your colossal love.
To Anna, who said yes to this adventure before I was ready to leap. Thank you for being my main interlocutor, dedicated reader, and best friend. I adore you.
And finally, to Jesse, whose absence I feel fiercely, but who teaches me daily that the veil is thin.