Right Where I Belong

When I came to Muss, I expected a school experience similar to what I knew back home — classes, learning, and the occasional field trip. But what I’ve found here has been so much more.

The friendships I’ve made have helped me connect on a much deeper level with the people around me and encouraged me to open up and discover parts of myself I didn’t even know before coming here.

This past week in Israel was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Back home, for the past two years, I’ve followed the news about Israel from afar, but being here and feeling the energy firsthand gave me a whole new understanding of how deeply everyone here is affected by the events of October 7.

We had the privilege of visiting Beilinson Hospital, waiting for the arrival of several freed hostages. We spent hours dancing, singing, and celebrating with people whose passion and hope were so powerful that it became contagious. It inspired me deeply and made me want to create positive change in my own way.

That experience made me feel so many emotions — but above all, I felt a true sense of belonging. I felt part of something larger than myself, celebrating together as one community.

There have been countless amazing moments so far, but none quite like this. I know I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life. As the semester continues, I want to soak in every second, because time moves so quickly when you’re truly living in the moment.