When I was still in America and was accepted into AMHSI, I started to think about goals I could set for myself to accomplish while I was away. I worried my goals were set too high and I wouldn’t reach them, or they were too low and I would underestimate my self. I struggled with setting reasonable goals for myself. I struggled with school goals, personal goals, and physical goals, as I got myself adjusted to the campus life here, I started to rethink my goals.

My first goal was to develop a greater appreciation for diversity. I have always loved seeing new cultures and environments, but I felt like Israel was completely different. Living in the Philadelphia area, there is much diversity of people and religion. Unfortunately, there are not many Jewish or Orthodox Jewish families in my area, so I was eager to see the Jewish life in Israel. The Jewish community is comforting and accepting of our group wanting to learn more. I get to explore the culture of Orthodox, conservative, and reform Jewish people of all ages. The different synagogues and lifestyles intrigue me. It makes me feel more welcomed and at home than it does back in the states. I learned a lot about the life here and I cant wait to learn so much more.

I also learned to live in the moment. One night, our madrichim had a talk with us about living in the moment and appreciating the now. To stop posting on Snapchat and Instagram every possible opportunity we can, and to take in the moment with our new friends. And something about that stuck with me. I have now tried to stop using my phone so much and just enjoy my time. Enjoy spending these 8 weeks here learning and exploring the history of Israel where it actually happened. I stand on the ruins of our past as our teacher Yossi brings the story to life. He tells us the importance of Hezekiah’s tunnel or of Masada as we are hiking through it in real life. It makes us feel like we are living and learning in that time period. In that moment I can truly say I am living in the now and appreciating my time here. The feeling is almost indescribable for me. It reminds me of camp, in a way. You don’t understand it unless you have done it before. People can talk about it and try to explain it to you, but it is not the same. If you have not been there or seen it, you don’t understand. I have learned to be independent as a young adult, managing my time, planning out my day accordingly. I have learned to grow and am more open-minded; not only with myself but also with other people also.

I have now finally realized that this trip is once of a lifetime. It is a trip that I will never ever forget. I am so fortunate to have been selected for this trip, and I am eager to see what it holds for me.