Category Archives: Gap Year Fellows

In elementary school, my favorite subject was art. I would stay in the art room during recess and do extra projects. I was never exceptional at drawing or painting, but I still loved creating. In second grade, I did my career fair project on an elementary art teacher and I danced for 13 years, soContinue reading “Art and Creativity in My Gap Year”

Happy February! This year is already flying by and I can’t believe winter is ending soon. Winter in Florida has been amazing compared to the long-drawn-out winters I’m used to. My winter has consisted of walks on the beach and lots of bike rides. No complaints here! One aspect of my gap year that IContinue reading “New Friends”

Working in retail, volunteering at a school, and going to a large commercial gym, I interact with a lot of people on a daily basis. But, I’ve consistently felt supported and heard by the elementary program coordinator at the after school program, Ms. Mary Cortez. After I was approved for the volunteer position, Ms. CortezContinue reading “A Light in My Gap Year”

An artistic work that has resonated with me on my gap year is the wall that borders Israel and the Gaza Strip. I had the privilege of going to visit Tsameret Zamir, a woman who lives in moshav Netiv HaAsara, where the wall is located. She began a project called “Path to Peace”, which attractsContinue reading “March Blog Post: Path to Peace”

Although I loved the prompt for this months blog, I had something too exciting not to share instead. Finally, after 9 long months of rigorous studying and dedication, I passed my certification exam to be a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. This has allowed me to take on over 10Continue reading “Becoming A CNC Through NASM”

There are three key parts to an average work-week at Tivnu. There are personal internships, Educational Explorations, and construction. Upon beginning my year at Tivnu, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy construction as much as I do. Saws scared me and I didn’t know the difference between a drill and a driver –Continue reading “Ramp-Building”

Someone I have met along my journey is an incredible man named Hershy Kahon. A few months ago, two of my friends and I went to a host family for Shabbat dinner. This is a common thing occurrence for anyone living in Israel without their family (those on gap years, lone soldiers, etc.). So, myContinue reading “February Blog Post”

Throughout my entire gap year, my mom has always been that person right beside me. When I ran the idea through her, she was very excited and supportive of my choice to take a year off. We both saw the experience and knowledge as a great opportunity. When days are rough, she is always theContinue reading “People in My Gap Year”

For the sake of anonymity, names have been changed. Two times a week, I embark on the hour-long, three bus, cross-Portland quadrant journey to my internship. I’m currently a kitchen intern at an extended care facility for people that are HIV+, and I am able to find so much meaning in my work. I amContinue reading “Ethan and I”