“May it be so, may it be so.” Such simple words quietly entered into my spirit. These words spoken by Columbia University’s Chaplain Jewelnel Davis at my Commencement ceremony. Sure, at my graduation we had speakers who spoke, musicians who played music, and singers who sang— but it was something about those words that sat with me and still sit with me until this very moment. After Chaplain Davis said these words, I remember her closing her book and stepping away from the podium with solemnity.

Short excerpt of Chaplain Davis’ inspiring speech during Columbia University’s 2019 Commencement

We are steadfastly crossing the threshold of my birthday month and it has been nearly a year since I last heard such a simple epithet. I have always been quietly meditating on this phrase, waiting that the meaning would manifest itself at some ordained time.

Whatever it may be, let it be so. There is a release of the hands that rest at the wheel that must take place in order for the desires of your heart to be willed into being. These words allow me to reflect fondly on all of my undergraduate opportunities, understanding that destiny is present and influencing the present moment.

I was extremely privileged to study abroad multiple times during my final semester at Columbia. In the beginning of January, I was chosen by the Office of the University Chaplain to take part in a group research project that focused on the religions, cultures, and communities of Tunisia. The Kraft Global Fellowship (KGF) program is spearheaded by Chaplain Jewelnel Davis. As mentioned in Chaplain Davis’ speech, Columbia University is able to produce global leaders; opportunities like KGF allow students to refine global perspectives and facilitate international discourse. This is a program that Chaplain Davis has put her heart and soul to continuously nurture interfaith dialogue and to promote intercultural awareness on Columbia’s campus and its global centers, in the greater New York City area, and beyond.

Whatever it *may be**, let it be so.*

Tunisia was the origin seed that created a deep forest. It was the boat that launched a thousand fleets. I was able to refine the way that I see paradigms and interact with the world. Assumptions have changed. Visions are refocused.

The required coursework of the Kraft Global Fellowship mandated that I thoughtfully evaluate the relationship between sight and sound, history and present, I and the world.

The week spent in Tunisia was a catalyst that reframed my approach to learning. As a result, I was afforded tools and new frameworks to soak in every moment during my time in Senegal.

Chaplain Davis gave me the push that I needed to study abroad in Senegal for my final semester even with all of the trepidation and fear that I felt. All aspects of my movement felt ordained. Our Tunisian tour guide referred to Tunisia as the “Gateway to Africa.” After traveling as a Kraft Global Fellow, I was able to experience Senegal with a higher level of consciousness. I was able to directly engage with diverse and competiting perspectives to bolster my understanding of citizenship and its responsibility on a local, national, and global level. I was able to look inwards and engage in reflective practices even in difficult situations and changing environments.

My sincere appreciation to the Office of the Chaplain for affording me this opportunity. I am grateful that you trusted me to be a beneficiary of an experience that has aided my preparation to become a doctor. My entire approach to medicine has become more crystallized because of the experiences that I have had in Tunisia and Senegal.

Assumptions have changed.

Visions are refocused.

May it be so, may it be so.

This powerful, yet simple phrase reminds me to surrender to the it. Whatever it may be. Take peace in the unknown. Accept the variables. Never be so quick to define the it, but remain excited to experience it. The it is able to transform, shape-shift, and levitate.