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Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel stated that "Our goal should be to live in radical amazement." The question that comes out of it is: What does it mean to live in radical amazement? The answer is being able to see and experience a world filled with joy, purpose, wonder, curiosity and so much more. It is because of this vision of radical amazement that I chose Early Childhood Education as my major.

The thing that I have enjoyed most about my major is that I have been able to not only meet and learn with/from passionate peers (and future colleagues), but also be able to gain an even bigger appreciation for teaching from the educators I have learned from in the field. Something that is unique to the Early Childhood Elementary Education program is that one gets to be placed in many different school settings, and as a result of that, I have gotten to not only be in Portage and Kalamazoo but also give back to the district that shaped me, Farmington Public Schools. As a result of this, I have seen different methods for teaching, classroom management, and more. This is beneficial because it helps me, as a future educator, be prepared for what is to come.

At °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥, I am a member of a few different RSOs. The first is @email, an organization specifically for Jewish students on campus. I am proud to say that I am a past president as well. On top of Hillel, I am also a part of Alpha Lambda Delta and the Michigan Teachers Association. Outside of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥, I serve as the 4th and 5th-grade Religious school teacher within the joint religious school of Congregation of Moses and Temple B'nai Israel. I have also had the opportunity to lead religious services during the school year as well. 

If I had a friend thinking about °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥, I would tell them that they are considering a university that allows them to not only pursue their interests within the classroom but also outside of the classroom as well. At the same time, I would tell them that they are considering a university where professors are supportive and want to build connections with each and every one of their students. Finally, I would mention that they are considering a university that helps students build an understanding of the broader world and pushes students to get to know others who do not reflect their background and personal story.