Student Spotlight: Cindy Gil (MTS)
Cindy Gil’s journey to Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is not just one of academic pursuit but a testament to the transformative power of faith, community service, and the desire to give back. As a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) student at CTS, Cindy brings with her a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in both the biological sciences and social justice work. Her path to seminary is rooted in a deep commitment to education, social impact, and a desire to explore the intersection of faith and community service. A proud immigrant from Mexico, Cindy’s journey to CTS reflects not only her personal aspirations but also her dedication to advocating for others—particularly within the Latino community.
Cindy’s connection to CTS began long before she enrolled in the fall of 2024. During her undergraduate years at Butler University, Cindy, originally focused on Biology, found herself drawn to the study of religion. A chance meeting with a faculty member, a Rabbi teaching an introductory Bible course, led her to explore her newfound interest further. “I didn’t think I would do well in that class, but I did really well,” Cindy shared. “The teacher encouraged me to consider seminary, and I thought about it, but I finished my degree in Biology and put it on the back burner for a while.”
Her journey took a detour as she worked with La Plaza, a local organization serving the Latino community, where she focused on education and community outreach. This position allowed Cindy to give back to the very organization that had once helped her as a high school student. “I wanted to help the next generation,” Cindy explained, reflecting on her time at La Plaza. “They helped me find scholarships and opportunities, and I wanted to do the same for others.”
However, after years of community service, a change in her family structure gave Cindy the space to revisit her calling to theological education. A conversation with Dr. Rickey McCray, Admissions Counselor and CTS Alum, helped her overcome initial doubts about the feasibility of graduate school as a single parent with two young children. “I was worried I’d be too busy,” Cindy confessed. “I thought about doing a certificate program, but Dr. McCray told me about the different opportunities, including the MDiv and MTS programs, and that there were scholarships available.” This information gave Cindy the confidence to apply, and she did so just days before the application deadline. The result was a life-changing scholarship offer that would cover her full program. “I get emotional when I think about it,” Cindy said, visibly moved by the affirmation of her decision.
Now in her first semester at CTS, Cindy is already grappling with the challenges of graduate school, but in a way that she finds deeply meaningful. “This is my second master’s degree,” Cindy noted. “In Biology, we did all the chemistry and calculus, but these courses at CTS are not only academically rigorous—they’re pushing all of us to redefine our values and rethink where we sit on certain topics. It’s not just about gaining knowledge, but about learning more about who you are.” Though the academic rigor has been tough, Cindy finds the process incredibly enriching. “It’s uncomfortable sometimes,” she shared, “but I’m finding it meaningful.”
As part of her work at Indiana University, Cindy plays an active role in facilitating relationships between the university and the Latino community in Indianapolis. One of her proudest accomplishments is her involvement in the “Vida Sana” project—a five-year study on the health and social networks of Latino communities. “We followed participants over five years to understand how their social networks changed and how those changes impacted them,” Cindy explained. The research has had a significant impact, as the findings have been shared with public health leaders, legislators, and educators across the state. Through this work, Cindy has been able to amplify the voices of a community that is often underrepresented in higher education and healthcare.
Cindy’s time at CTS has also sparked a broader interest in social justice and conflict resolution. “One of the classes I’m taking is on the Israel-Palestine conflict,” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn about global issues, but also about conflict management. Even without violence, conflict doesn’t necessarily mean peace. I’m applying that to local issues too, like family dynamics and what goes on in our neighborhoods and institutions. How do we address conflict and bring more voices to the table, especially voices that are often unseen or unheard?”
Looking ahead, Cindy sees the MTS degree as a steppingstone toward exploring the intersection of theology and public affairs. “I identify as an immigrant, and how we treat our immigrant population is always top of mind for me,” she said. “The immigrant experience is something I want to explore more—especially from a cultural and social-political perspective.” Cindy has already begun to engage with this topic at CTS, where she attended a webinar on immigration and children, led by transborder studies expert Dr. Irasema Coronada. “CTS is opening doors for me. I’m gaining the language to help me express what I’ve seen and what I hope to change.”
Cindy’s experience at CTS is not just about academic and professional growth; it is deeply personal. “It’s such an honor and a blessing to finally take this on,” she said, reflecting on the privilege of being able to attend seminary. As a working mother, Cindy balances the demands of graduate school with raising two young children. She offers this advice to others in similar situations: “You can do it, but you need a lot of energy,” she said with a smile. “You have to be organized, but also flexible with yourself. The faculty at CTS are incredibly accommodating—they want to see you succeed.”
Cindy also emphasized the supportive community she’s found at CTS, where both faculty and staff recognize the person behind the student. “They work with you as a person,” she shared. “Whether you’re a parent, a worker, or at any stage in life, they want to see you succeed and celebrate you as a person.”
Looking to the future, Cindy sees endless possibilities for how she can use her theological education. From exploring the philosophy of biology to engaging with social justice issues, she is driven by the desire to make a positive impact. “CTS is equipping us to change the realities we see in the world,” Cindy said. “Some of these realities aren’t things we want to see, but we are learning how to change them.”
Cindy Gil’s journey to Christian Theological Seminary is a testament to the power of faith, service, and perseverance. With the support of CTS, she is not only expanding her academic horizons but also finding deeper connections to her community and to her own faith. Through her work and studies, Cindy is embodying the spirit of CTS—dedicated to learning, advocacy, and transformation for the good of others.
