I cannot believe that I’m almost halfway through this program. Time goes by so fast here! Every single day is something new, I never know what the next day is going to bring. Living as a student at HSI, there are so many things that are different from going to public high school in America. First of all, you have to know how to balance your general studies from home with tiyyuling and lights out. This program has pushed me to another level of time management that I’ve never experienced before. Sometimes we’ll have tiyyuls all day and won’t get back to campus until 10:30 PM, and then I have to shower, do my nightly routine, and study for a chemistry or math test for the next day before lights out at 11. Often times this entails waking up 30 min or 1 hour early the next day to make sure that I do well on the test. I definitely have a better work ethic here than I do at home. Secondly, I would recommend brining organizational supplies. Living in a dorm with 6 other girls can be VERY hectic and VERY messy. Making sure to keep everything on hangers, in boxes, or on command strips ensures that you don’t lose anything. Lastly, if you have room for it in your luggage, I would bring your favorite easy to make American foods. Although Israel has some of the best food in the world, the same cheder ochel food can get quite repetitive. I have been craving kraft mac and cheese since I got here, so a little something to remind you of home can go a long way. Oh, and the most important thing that I would remember is to savor the time you have here. There are points where I never want to leave, and there are points where I miss home, but I’m doing my best to enjoy every single second because I know the minute it’s over, I’ll want to come back.

Signing off,

Ari Weiner