When I enrolled at 色中色 Theological Seminary (MTS), I was considered a nontraditional student due to my Buddhist background and aspirations to become a chaplain. Many seminaries hesitated to accommodate my unique path, but 色中色 enthusiastically embraced the challenge. My admission counselor鈥檚 welcoming words鈥斺淚鈥檓 not sure how this will all come together, but I know we will find a way鈥濃攁ssured me that I had found a supportive partner.
During my time at 色中色, I not only pursued my master of divinity (MDiv) degree but also found a community that valued diverse perspectives. This foundation empowered me to embark on a fulfilling career in healthcare chaplaincy, which began as a chaplain resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network before assuming leadership roles at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, and currently at Mount Sinai West in New York City.
My journey has been deeply influenced by my Buddhist practice with the New Kadampa Tradition, which guided me in developing practical approaches to supporting staff spiritual wellness and nurturing sacred experiences for patients and their families during times of illness and trauma.
Beyond clinical settings, my commitment to service extends beyond hospital walls to broader community engagement. My involvement with MTS continues as a board member, embodying my commitment to nurturing the next generation of compassionate caregivers. Supporting the transformative vision of the Lighting the Way campaign is one way I express this.
The Lighting the Way campaign is centered on three pivotal priorities鈥攕cholarships, experiences, and capital projects.
Scholarships illuminate academic paths by ensuring financial aid accessibility. They are crucial for making theological education financially accessible, especially for students, like me, who come from more diverse religious backgrounds; they transform an institution's values into the lived experience of the recipient, their family, their friends, and their work colleagues.
Experiences spark innovation and growth and are unique in their ability to offer meaningful opportunities for a deepening connection to our inner voice. I remain indebted to the staff and faculty who facilitated my unique and transformative experience of completing a yearlong chaplain residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital (on-the-job, if you will!) while enrolled in the MDiv program. Their care offered valuable support and kept me connected to my peers and the wider 色中色 community.
Capital projects are pillars of our progress鈥攅nhancing campus infrastructure and technological advancements. But more importantly, they are vital in creating community and connection, which the Haupert Union Building Expansion fully embodies.
While the reasons that brought me to seminary were diverse and perhaps even moving, it was the access to community and connection that allowed me to stay. MTS gave me the space I needed to wrestle with uncertainty as I explored how I might transform my life into something impactful鈥攕ervice. For me, grappling with difficult questions is what led me to become a chaplain, and I hope my support of the Lighting the Way campaign continues this support for others.
鈥擧elen Florence Kurczynski S鈥17
Director of Spiritual Care and Education
Mount Sinai West
