As the stress of the new school year and new environment takes its toll, there is some relief within student clubs. I find myself overwhelmed with the amount of opportunities that are in front of me as I walk around the second floor of the Newman Vertical Campus everyday. The various tables set up are filled with delicious food and energetic members to get people to check out their club. Since I feel insanely out of place coming from a Jewish community with barely any interaction with the outside world, I find relief at the Hillel table. Hillel at Baruch is part of a larger foundation for Jewish life on campus. At Hillel, one could enjoy the many Jewish learning opportunities as well as Israel advocation that they have during club hour and after school hours. As I lingered around the table, I was greeted by a warm smile from one of the associates at the table. As I made my way over, she made me feel welcomed by pulling up a seat and invited me to sit next to her and explain
what Hillel has to offer a stressed out freshman who feels like a fish out of water. She told me about their current efforts to help with relief from Hurricane Harvey in Houston. I was impressed by the amount of students who opened their wallets and donated to the cause. Shortly after I gave her my contact information I received a text from her about a performance from an Israeli musician who had come to Baruch! I am glad there is an organization at Baruch where i can feel a bit more at home and hopefully this will fuel me to branch out and join more clubs in the future!