The goals I set at the beginning of my gap year were these:
- Improve my Hebrew
- Explore different cultures throughout Israel
- Learn about policy and how it affects the conflicts and people’s daily lives
I feel that I have achieved these goals, but I will continue working on them because there is always more to learn. Through classes and organized trips, I have spoken with people from many different backgrounds and religions, and I look forward to the many more opportunities I will have to learn about different people in Israel, their lives, and their opinions. I have found it challenging to really practice my Hebrew because most people on my program don’t speak Hebrew, so I spend my days speaking English 90% of the time. I try my best to speak Hebrew when I can, but my environment this past semester didn’t allow me to speak it as much as I wanted. Next semester, I will be working with Israelis and be able to speak Hebrew on a daily basis. As I start this new semester, I am setting new goals for myself.
- Regarding my internship: Do research about the field I will be working in and prepare to work and develop new skills in a completely new environment
- Make an effort to speak Hebrew at work, use Hebrew menus, and speak to my counselors and Israeli friends in Hebrew
- Use my free time productively and make time just for myself
- Plan ahead for meals, meal prep
Before going to college, I want to find things I love doing alone whenever I want to relieve stress or get a break. I am excited to have so much freedom and independence this semester, which will allow me to grow professionally through my internship and manage my own free time. I am now responsible for cooking all of my meals as well as cleaning communal spaces, so navigating this while balancing work will be an exciting learning opportunity!
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