If you’re reading this, you apparently don’t mind reading about lil ole Kammy. I greatly appreciate it. Be sure to check out parts one and two before continuing.

I want to quickly mention that during my first year at Spelman, I was blessed to be in spaces with iconic individuals, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Bernice King, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Christine Farris King, Duranice Pace, Senator John Lewis, and many more. I was also blessed to have the entire class of 2021 sing “Happy Birthday” to me during our first Founder’s Day celebration. During my second semester, my Spelman sisters and I came together as visionaries to establish official Christian organizations on campus. From being worried about acceptance to being pushed into hefty leadership roles humbled me more than you know.

After switching my major, I discovered several changes that I grew to appreciate. For instance, the Religious Studies and Philosophy departments were combined into one, allowing me to take courses in both fields, which was incredibly rewarding. As a nerdy reader and writer, the biggest reward was having a major focused heavily on research and writing. The department’s curriculum didn’t include quizzes or tests at all; the last test I took at Spelman was in early 2018. However, I probably wrote over 100 essays, excluding my final 50-page thesis.

For my two concentrations, I chose Christianity and Islam. While I am a Christian, I grew up learning quite a bit about Islam. Some people even mistake me for a Muslim because of certain practices I follow. However, there is so much to learn about Christianity from a global perspective—knowledge that can help clear up common misinterpretations. Honestly, I don’t think there was a single course I didn’t enjoy in my field of study. Some classes even required visits to various worship spaces, including Hindu temples, Islamic mosques, Buddhist temples, and theological libraries, which enriched my understanding immensely. I learned to embrace my own faith in every setting.

During undergrad, I also studied abroad for a week in Nassau, Bahamas, to complete research on the island’s religious structure. I was able to interview local residents and spend time at the University of the Bahamas. Shoutout to my professor who scheduled trips to Baptist churches for my research (and pleasure growing up Baptist). Yes, we shouted and danced. I felt at home (I’ll discuss the relationship between Bahamians and Gullah folk in another post).

As I mentioned earlier, I was scheduled to graduate in 2021, but my love for my major kept me going even through the summer sessions. By God’s grace, I became close with the ladies in financial aid and the dean’s office, so whenever I needed extra funds, they were always ready to help. I also received departmental scholarships specifically for Religious Studies majors—and since I was the only one, favor consistently found me. Taking summer courses wasn’t too difficult, and I eventually received notice that I was eligible to graduate in December. Just to clarify, Spelman holds only one graduation ceremony in the spring. Although I had my degree in hand in 2020, the ceremony for both the 2020 and 2021 classes (delayed due to COVID) was held on May 16, 2021.

Although I had my regalia, I did not participate in graduation or alumni activities for personal reasons (I also didn’t attend my Master’s ceremony). However, I am deeply grateful for the three years I spent at my beloved Spelman College. The title of this three-part blog series comes from Spelman’s tagline and motto, “A Choice to Change the World.” It reflects the college’s commitment to empowering students to create positive change in society through social justice advocacy and leadership.

If you made it here, thank you again. If you’re reading this with any doubt about your academic journey, whether you’re starting college or in the midst of it, just know it’ll all work out. If God be for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31). In Jesus’ name.