Camille Cassingham is an undergraduate major in Religious Studies who returned to school to finish her degree after an 8-year hiatus. She began her Religious Studies education at Agnes Scott in 2010 and plans to graduate from GSU in 2024. In this interview, we talk more with Camille about her experience at GSU.
What has been your most memorable experience in the religious studies dept at GSU thus far?
I particularly enjoy studying the historical Jesus, folk healing and spirituality in the US, and intersections of queerness and religion. Although the Religious Studies courses I've taken at GSU thus far have been online, my most memorable experiences involve discussions with professors and classmates. I love the diversity of our experiences and beliefs; it makes for really interesting and insightful conversations.
What is something useful you’ve learned from your time in the BA program in religious studies thus far?
Get to know your professors and classmates if you can! They're amazing resources.
What are your future plans?
After I graduate with my BA, I plan on earning an M.Div from a divinity school (Iliff is currently my top choice) and becoming ordained by the Unitarian Universalist Association. From there, I think I would enjoy serving as a chaplain because I feel called to promote/provide spiritual nurturance and understanding in an interfaith setting. I am especially interested in working with people at the end of their lives and the bereaved, but I also think it would be fun and fulfilling to be a university chaplain.
Any advice for prospective students considering a degree in religious studies?
The department is so inclusive and diverse. There is a place for you here!
Tell us more about yourself- interests, hobbies, etc.
Right now I teach toddlers! It's hard work, but incredibly fun and rewarding. I'm also a Lay Minister (sort of like our version of a Deacon) for my Unitarian Universalist congregation. I am an animal lover and have a small rescue dog named Percy. In my free time, I love to travel (pandemic permitting), eat good food, and spend time with friends and loved ones. I'm also a sucker for reality TV - the more ridiculous, the better!