Coming into this experience I didn’t really have my heart set on many goals. I was simply trying to take things day by day and see where that takes me. Now that I am here and have a better understanding of what life will be like in HSI I can set some goals for the rest of the program.

Goals is a big topic considering I have minor ones and slightly more major ones. Some of my minor goals included making friends and keeping up my grades. While I feel like I have already accomplished the first goal, the second goal might take a little longer to achieve. Other minor goals included keeping my dorm neat and organized and making sure to stay hygienic. While these were only small things to focus on, they could be very important.

One of the most important major goals I have been set on since before I came was stepping out of my comfort zone and enjoying it. For example, hiking has never been my thing but coming into this I was prepared to enjoy the hikes and focus on the fact that the view would be worth it when I got to the top. Another example is that at home I was used to good food and I knew that the food wouldn’t be as good (in the cafeteria at least) so I prepared myself to try to find things I consistently liked and looked forward to them. Another major goal was to become more independent. When I say independent I don’t mean in taking care of myself. I have always been self sufficient, knew how to get around, responsible for my belongings and health, and so on. When I say to become more independent I mean to be able to study and succeed on my on. I have always relied on my dad to help me with homework or to help me study for a big exam but here in Israel I have to be able to do it on my own.

Lastly, a major goal that I had preconceived before embarking on this journey was to just make the most of every moment and be optimistic about every situation because I got this once in a lifetime opportunity that should be taken advantage of.