This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing highlights from three Vanderbilt Divinity students who participated in the Hispanic Scholars Program over the summer. In this series, you will hear how the program allowed them to better understand the cultural and faith traditions that inform Hispanic religious scholarship and helped them form bonds with students from across the world.
Jai Davis is a second-year Ph.D. student in religion, psychology, and culture through the Graduate Program in Religion with minors in ethics and gender studies.
What were some of the highlights of your experience with the Hispanic Scholars Program this summer?
One of the highlights of my experience with the Hispanic Scholars Program this summer was having the opportunity to speak on a panel about why I pursued a Ph.D.
Being able to reflect on my journey and share my experiences with other scholars gave me a deeper appreciation for how much I have learned and grown through my time in the GDR program.
I was also amazed by the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and hear about their different experiences, research interests and vocational journeys. The program created a space where I felt encouraged to both share what I have learned and remain open to learning from others.
How has your experience with the Hispanic Scholars Program — coupled with your coursework — advanced your research, scholarly interests and vocational pursuits?
My experience has helped me become more confident in my research and scholarly interests. My coursework has given me the theological and academic foundation to think more critically about the questions that shape my research, while the Hispanic Scholars Program has allowed me to engage those interests in conversation with other scholars. These experiences have also helped me better understand my vocational calling and how my research can contribute to the church, the academy, and the communities I hope to serve.
What is something you have gained from the experience that you didn’t expect?
Something I did not expect to gain from the experience was how much I would learn simply through conversation and community. I anticipated growing academically, but I was surprised by how meaningful it was to hear from other colleagues and learn from their perspectives and experiences.
I also gained a greater sense of confidence in my own journey. Speaking on the panel gave me an opportunity to recognize how far I have come and how the GDR program has shaped me as a scholar and as a person.
What would you say to other students interested in this program?
I would encourage other students to take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in the Hispanic Scholars Program. Come ready to learn, ask questions share your experiences, and build relationships with others.
The program is not only an opportunity for academic and professional development, but also a chance to learn from people who are on similar journeys. For me, one of the greatest gifts of the program was realizing that I do not have to navigate my academic and vocational journey alone.