I have never thought that I would be going to Israel in my life, let alone at only 15 years old. When I was preparing for the interview and writing my essays, I was so nervous and worried that I would not have been good enough to get into Alexander Muss High School. When I received the call that I was accepted, I did not believe any of it. I still cannot believe that I am going to Israel in 9 days.

Do I have everything I need? Am I going to need another suitcase? How far is the trip? What is the time zone difference? Am I forgetting something? These are the questions that I will be asking the next week as I am packing my bags and getting on the bus to JFK airport. I have never been away from my family for more than a month and I am a little scared. The excitement for my journey ahead has eliminated my feeling of being scared which I feel is a good thing. This will be my first trip to Israel and I expect it to be one of the most life-changing events in my life from here on out. I expect thousands of memories, a once in a lifetime experience, and a new me. I expect to become more mature and enlightened on the Israeli culture and Jewish heritage when I am surrounded by it. How could I not learn anything?           

Applying for this trip was probably be one of the best decisions of my life because my family and friends who have gone on this trip have said that it was their best decision also.         

I have already started to connect with the other fellows that are going on the trip. I have already started to know who they are, what their interests are and how they feel about this trip. They are great people and seem like they are as excited as me to go on this journey to the Holy Land. I cannot wait to make friendships that will last a lifetime with these people who I feel the need to call them family already and have this amazing experience shared with them.            

Again, this all does not feel real. I did not think that I would be going to Israel at such a young age with such an awesome program. I cannot wait to share all of this with my friends, family and future friends. I feel that this experience will not feel real until I step onto the land in Israel and smell the fresh and holy air. I cannot wait to get on the plane and fly for eleven hours next to the people I will be living with for two months for the next chapter of my life.