In exactly one year, I will graduate the Univeristy of Florida. Thrown out into the “real world,” expected to quickly find a job, rise from entry level to CEO in only a matter of years and start a new chapter of my life. But parting with college also means parting from Jewish college life. The harsh reality sets in that I will have to find a new hub for Jewish activities, and try my best to connect with people who I’ve never met before.
But then I thought, looking back on the past doesn’t make the future nearly as intimidating. When I graduated high school in 2008, it meant parting from youth groups and my close group of religious school friends. Since starting religious school when I was five, we had been bound together by a common interest, and then pulled apart to different colleges a mere 13 years later. Being the only one of my friends to stay in Gainesville, I gave the student Jewish community at UF a try. On my own. Without knowing anyone. Not easy at first, I forced myself to mold in and find my niche. Three years later, I look back on my experiences at UF Hillel and think of how far I’ve come from attempting a Krav Maga class to helping host Open Mic Nights.
Moving away is part of growing up, but no one said it is easy. I realize that I am starting to ask myself questions like what synagogue will I mix well with? Should I finally pay the fee to join Hadassah? Or should I find a local Jewish student group and take part in their graduate/alumni events? These questions are the next step in finding out not only where I’ll be for ideally the next 10 or so years, but will be the next step to finding my place in the Jewish community. I leave you with this Jewish proverb I found very suitable for this posting: “When you have no choice, mobilize the spirit of courage.”
