As I get ready to leave for Israel I have have a lot of different emotions going through my mind. I love Israel and I am very excited for this experience. Yet at the same time, it feels like I made the decision to go on this program very quickly and hastily. I am still trying to comprehend that this is actually happening in a way. 

I have had a few friends who have already been on the Alexander muss high school in Israel program, and one friend who went on the fellowship. So many people at home seem to think I totally know what to expect. However, this is not the case. I have not asked friends much about the details of the program or the school, so I am honestly expecting anything. However I expect that I will probably build some friendships and bonds with other students.

I fear that I may get caught up in the fun things friends are doing around town and I will get sidetracked from my schoolwork. This is something I have needed to work on throughout my career as a student in both middle school and high school.

I hope that I come out of the experience with a built character from living more independent than I ever have for four months. I am also hoping that I will have a more cosmopolitan view of the world from experiencing Israeli culture through the Art, History and food. Finally, I hope that I can make close friends that I will be connected with past Muss and High school in general.

I chose to apply for the impact fellowship because I want to become more skilled at conveying my ideas to my community through public speaking and media. The impact fellowship looked like a perfect way to be able to experience an amazing program like Muss and also learn how to be a better leader so that I can bring something back to my community coming home.

I can't wait to get on the El Al airplane and fly out to Israel. Next time I write a blog I will have had many more new experiences and connections!