A summer spent at Perkins
During summer 2025, the Perkins School of Theology faculty and staff spent most of their time reorganizing the school and establishing new processes to ensure a smooth and successful fall semester. While most choose their summers to step away from school, Calyn Donaldson (M.Div., Spring ’26) chose to continue her time at Perkins as a graduate assistant this past break.
Initially, Calyn needed a second job. Upon meeting with Tracy Anne Allred, Assistant Dean of Students, Alum and Community Engagement at Perkins, Calyn was given the opportunity to work in the Student Life department. “I knew immediately that was the only job I would have wanted because I wanted insight into all the work Tracy Anne and Laura [Figura] do,” Donaldson said.
New job. New responsibilities.
Calyn shares that the majority of her time as a graduate assistant was dedicated to tidying up around the offices. “I joke with Tracy Anne and Laura that my main job this summer [was] to help organize their lives in the office,” Donaldson said. “In all seriousness, my job this summer has ranged from messaging students and alums, adding some Gen-Z sparkle to our social media and cleaning out many closets.”
Why Perkins?
When asked about her choice to attend Perkins, Calyn emphasized the Texas location, as well as the importance of joining a United Methodist institution as her deciding factors. “I was constantly fighting the ‘women can’t be in ministry’ battles during undergrad, and I knew Perkins would be a place where my gender did not define my calling,” Donaldson said.
Calyn believes that if anyone has the opportunity to work in the office of student engagement, they should take it. “Every day contains a new story and memory to share,” she said. “And what a joy she [Laura Figura] is. As a natural pessimist, Laura added lots of optimism and encouragement into my summer. For that, I am incredibly grateful.”
As Calyn plans to finish her degree in the 2026 spring semester, she’s most excited about spending her last couple of semesters at Perkins with the cohort of students she’s grown with throughout her time on campus.