It really is officially less than a week before the trip. The months of anticipation and preparation have really flown by, and I have to pinch myself to remember that in a few short days, I will be leaving my house, my school, and my family. Although I have fears of the unknown, and question my ability to grow independent, the idea of going to live the culture that I have been taught about since I was a small child is extremely exciting. I chose to apply for this fellowship because I am a firm believer in the importance developing self identity and values through discovering your personal history, because our greatest contribution to society comes from a deep connection with our own selves. I hope that though the experiences of this program, I will learn more about myself, specifically my Jewish identity, as well as the world around me.