This past year I took a gap year in Israel where I learned Talmudic and Bible studies, Jewish law and ethics, and personal development. It was a year filled with new perspectives, new friends, and of course fun that helped shaped who I am and who I want to become. I learned from amazing teachers and role models who helped guide me into becoming a better person who tries to think critically, show compassion to everyone, and is open to new ideas and truths.
As a college student, I hope to learn a lot from the content of the classes that I take, as well as from the professors that will be teaching the material. I also hope to make some new friends. I have met some really cool and interesting people so far from various backgrounds, along with unique experiences and different ways of thinking about life.
The first semester has been a big adjustment with getting used to a new building, new classmates, new professors, and of course the higher expectations for college classes. It has been hard to balance my academic and social life so far, but the weekends are an amazing time to meet up and hang out with friends, especially on the Sabbath. By the end of the first semester, I hope to adjust to all of these new changes and create a healthy balance between my academic and social life.
Overall, I am very happy to be at Baruch and am excited for what lies ahead!
I think it’s great you took a gap year to learn more about your culture as well as have new experiences in the process. As long as you keep being open-minded to new perspectives and make new friends like your year in Israel, you can definitely thrive in college as well. I hope that your experience in Israel will make being in another new environment a little bit easier.
Elan, I find it fascinating that you went to Israel for a year to learn more about your values and that of others! The experience must have been impactful or even life-changing. I also think it is good to come into college for the first time with established principles such as having an open-mind or skills like critical-thinking. It shapes the way you think inside the classroom as well as the way you interact with others. Speaking of which, I am sure you will continue to make many new friends! Like you, I was worried about that too. And I think in the first semester we just have to find our “rhythm”; once we do, balancing everything out will become a lot more manageable.
Hello Elan,
I think its really cool/ interesting that you took a gap year to explore a different part of the world and learn more about your faith. I also enjoy traveling and I am always interested in the different cultures and people from around the world. Likewise, I find that it is definitely an adjustment in terms of socializing and educational standards. So far, I believe it’s been manageable and I hope you have had a similar experience. Regardless, it should get easier over time!
Hey Elan,
That’s incredible that you spent a year in Israel! I’m sure you enjoyed that a lot, immersing yourself in a different part of the world and learning more about your faith sounds so fun. I’m glad you found good friends there too! You seem to have a super open mind about attending Baruch this year, and I hope you join new communities and find even more close friends here! I’m looking forward to getting to know you more, and let’s enjoy our time here together!