M Adryael Tong
Assistant Professor of New Testament and Judaic Studies, Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA)
Frankel Institute Fellow, University of Michigan
What will you be researching while a fellow at the Frankel Institute and how does it relate to your work overall?
I’m doing research for my second book, Beyond Religious Difference, while also working on revising the manuscript for my first book, Difference and Circumcision.
What is the most common misconception about this area of research?
That religions are different by nature rather than by custom. What I mean by this is that people forget that differences between different religions are created, negotiated, and reinforced by people. They are not the result of natural forces, or a necessary result of particular textual canons (which are themselves shaped and delineated by people).
What has been your greatest success in academic/teaching, research, etc.?
Honestly? Finally being able to get a hysterectomy. I had been suffering for years with abnormal menorrhagia, chronic pain, and anemia from uterine fibroids. My mother also suffered from uterine fibroids and had to get a hysterectomy. However, since I’m under 40 years old and have never been pregnant, I have had an extremely difficult time trying to find a doctor in Georgia who would agree to remove my uterus. I had been shuffled from doctor to doctor, each one insisting on a minimally invasive procedure, which would “preserve the uterus.” Despite my many attempts to convince them that I was not interested in ever becoming pregnant, the stall tactics continued. Before moving to Michigan, I had been bleeding non-stop for months, and experiencing extreme fatigue and brain fog from the anemia. Once at Michigan, I found a wonderful young OB-GYN, who agreed to perform the surgery. I was finally able to evict my uterus on December 8, and less than a week after the surgery, I had more energy and could remember things I hadn’t been able to remember (like Greek verb principal parts) in years. I am convinced that without this fellowship, I may have wasted even more years in pain and discomfort. My career would have likely stalled. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I am convinced that if U of M didn’t save my life, it most certainly saved my career.
What do you hope to gain from this experience? How has your time at the University of Michigan impacted your research so far?
I’ve already gained so much just being here with adequate medical care and health insurance. This may not seem profound or exciting, but without my health, my research would be impossible.
