I can't believe that I have already been here for a week.

My first week here on the AMHSI campus has been incredible! I can't believe that I have already been here for a week. Time really does fly when you're having fun! Over the past week I have had the opportunity to set goals for the upcoming two months and even get started on a few.

One main goal I have set is to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I am happy to say that I have already made progress in accomplishing this goal. Prior to this trip, I was nervous about attending because I didn’t know anyone else doing it. I have pushed myself to connect with everyone on the February session. I have made an effort to talk to everyone in my group to get to know them better. My efforts have paid off because everyone is extremely kind and inclusive to me. I have already made some great friends and I can’t wait to continue forming close bonds with everyone on this journey with me.

Hiking Mount Gilboa challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone. I am not scared of heights, but throughout the hike I was scared that I was going to slip on mud or trip on a rock and therefore not be able to complete it. I am proud of myself for completing the hike. It was my favorite activity that I have done on a tiyul so far. The view from the top of Mount Gilboa was beautiful and definitely worth pushing myself outside of my comfort zone for. It is one experience that I will always remember.

Another goal that I have is to stay on schedule with all of my homework assignments so that I don’t return to school behind in my work and stressed. In order to complete this goal, I plan to do my homework the day it is assigned. Even if I don’t have class the following day due to a tiyul or Shabbat, I know that I will be happier in the long run if I complete my homework the day that it is assigned. I do not think this goal will be easy to achieve because I have very busy days here at AMHSI, filled with various group activities, a Jewish History class, and freetime in the town of Hod Hasharon. However, I am more motivated here to complete my homework assignments because I am doing them alongside my friends and I always have people to ask for help. Also, I trust that all of my teachers will keep me on track and teach me everything that I need to know.