As I begin to prepare for my trip to Israel, I am growing increasingly excited. I have very high expectations for my time in Israel, and I am hoping this trip will exceed them all. I am looking forward to all of the tiyulim because I love being able to see the things I have learned about in school firsthand. Additionally, I’m looking forward to meeting new people that share the same common interests as me. I also hope that this trip will allow me to form closer ties with Judaism and help me form stronger connections with my Israeli family.

I chose to apply for the Impact Fellowship because it provided me with the opportunity to combine my love of travel with my passion for leadership and learning. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Israel once for my friend’s Bar Mitzvah. It was about 4 years ago and, although I know I loved it, my memories of Israel are starting to fade. I am so thankful that I now have the chance to visit again, and spend two whole months there exploring everything this extraordinary country has to offer. Also, having the opportunity to travel abroad in high school is such an amazing experience that not many people have the chance to do. Over the next few months, I am eager to see what I become passionate about in regards to current issues facing Israel.

Our departure date is getting closer and closer, and although I am extremely reluctant to say goodbye to my friends and family, I can’t wait to see what the next 8 weeks with AMHSI will bring!