May 2025
Summer represents a bitter-sweet half-way point for many. A time to prep for the fall, and a chance to reflect on the year so far. Before the confetti settled on the ground, and before gold 2025 tassels migrated across mortar boards, we asked the departing class to reflect on their time at Emory. Here’s what they had to say:
Why did you choose to study Religion?
“I chose to major in religion to explore the intersection between belief, culture, and history.” -Jack Halloran, Business Administration – BBA, Religion, Class of ‘25
“I had been passionate about spirituality, mysticism, and philosophy; I had also been curious about religion and art; More specifically, I had been interested in the concept of reincarnation, renunciation of the world, and awakening in Asian religions.” -Yijin Li, Art History – BA, Philosophy & Religion, Class of ‘25
“Learning that numinous forces can be found in all spheres of life, not exclusively limited to studying religion and spirituality, has allowed me to extend my comprehension of subjects within all disciplines and theorize with a nuanced analysis of behavior and thought.” – Sophia Chenault, Philosophy and Religion Major, Class of ‘25
“I chose to be a Religion major because I believe that religion is one of the most powerful lenses to understand individuals and how they see the world!” – Paige Scanlon, Religion – BA, Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture Major, Class of ’25
“As a practicing Christian who also honors and educates others about my ancestral heritage of Shakti Hindu worship in the Caribbean, I found the Religion Department to be a deeply affirming space. It has given me the opportunity to embrace and celebrate my identity while keeping the spiritual traditions of my ancestors alive.” -Matthew Veerasammy, Political Science – BA, Religion, Class of ‘25
“I chose to major in Religion after taking more classes and realizing that I loved studying religion from a sociological approach. I stayed a religion major for the community.” – Ameya Bellamkonda, Business Administration – BBA, Religion, Class of ’25
“I chose to major in religion because it is an interdisciplinary field that allows me to explore my academic interest through different angles, including sociology, philosophy, history, anthropology, etc. This flexibility allowed me to engage deeply with difficult questions about belief, culture, and society.” – Yihang Li, Quantitative Sciences—BS, Religion, Class of ‘25
What did you find most rewarding in your studies?
“I am incredibly grateful to all of my professors who have encouraged me to make theoretical connections that allow me to understand the ethics of social justice and art through a lens that emphasizes the importance of understanding religious beliefs and ethical values.” -Sophia Chenault, Philosophy and Religion Major, Class of ‘25
“What keeps motivating me in the study of religion is that there are always new questions coming up, pushing me to more specific fields or topics such as: the interconnection of literature, art, and ritual in Tibetan tantric practices, the difference between monastic and non-monastic culture, and the political-spiritual relationship between teacher- and student- practitioners.” -Yijin Li, Art History – BA, Philosophy & Religion, Class of ‘25
“The Religion Department has broadened my perspective on faith, worship, and spirituality, and has deepened my respect for the beliefs and rituals of others.” -Matthew Veerasammy, Political Science – BA, Religion, Class of ‘25
“The discussion-based classes, the support from professor and peers, and the push to pursue my curiosities within the field have inspired me to not only just major in Religion but a passionate advocate for the department.” – Ameya Bellamkonda, Business Administration – BBA, Religion, Class of ’25
“Every single faculty member, staff, and peer I came across has been supportive, caring, and kind. I really enjoyed my time here.” – Yihang Li, Quantitative Sciences—BS, Religion, Class of ’25
What are your post-graduation plans?
“After graduation, I will begin my Master of Theological Studies at the Candler School of Theology, where I will research restorative justice methods and Christian ethics of forgiveness through the lens of various liberation theologies, primarily focusing on Black Christianity.” -Sophia Chenault, Philosophy and Religion Major, Class of ‘25
“I plan to go to the Havard Regional Studies-East Asian master program to pursue graduate studies in Himalayan and Chinese religion and art.” -Yijin Li, Art History – BA, Philosophy & Religion, Class of ‘25
“After Emory, I am attending Harvard Divinity School to pursue interfaith chaplaincy.” – Paige Scanlon, Religion – BA, Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture Major, Class of ’25
“My goal is to apply to law or divinity school within the next year or two and, God willing, begin the next chapter by pursuing a J.D. with the aspiration of becoming an environmental or corporate lawyer.” – Matthew Veerasammy, Political Science – BA, Religion, Class of ‘25
“After graduation, I’ll be a financial analyst at GE Aerospace in a finance-based, leadership development program!” – Ameya Bellamkonda, Business Administration – BBA, Religion, Class of ’25
“My plan after graduation is to pursue a master’s in religion, and potentially PhD in the future.” – Yihang Li, Quantitative Sciences—BS, Religion, Class of ‘25
Congratulations, Class of 2025!