Religious Studies

Leehe Shmueli

Posted on August 9, 2017

As a student, what drew you to the field of Religious Studies?

I felt that it would open me up to diverse ways of thinking and perspectives that I was unable to access in other majors.

How has your expertise in Religious Studies helped you define and reach your career and personal goals?

I believe my education as a Religious Studies major at UNCG helped prepare me for my current educational pursuits.

Can you recall any experience in Religious Studies that you found especially enlightening or challenging as a student?

Explorations in Yudit Natkin’s Hebrew class opened my eyes to new, more liberal interpretations of scriptural text

What are your favorite things about the UNCG Religious Studies Department?

My peers were always my favorite, many of us forged a bond and still keep in contact as much as is possible today (almost four years since I graduated).

Have you stayed in touch with any of the professors or faculty in the UNCG Religious Studies Department?

No, I wish I had remained in contact with Yudit Natkin or Marc Bregman.

Since graduating from UNCG, what have you accomplished in your career or studies?

I served two terms in AmeriCorps, managing a leadership development program for youth and adults in poverty (in Western New York) and managing a college service-learning program and supporting students in the community (in Western Massachusetts). After that, I was a program manager for a community garden program. Now, I am studying at Andover Newton Theological School in pursuit of a Master of Divinity.

What are your long-term goals?

I hope to become a Chaplain.

As a graduate, would you recommend pursuing an academic interest in Religious Studies?

I would.