First Full Day

Today was my first full day of school.  We started at 8:15 am and ended at 7:15 pm. Wow.  What a long day it was.  Luckily, I didn't get a lot of homework tonight, so I didn't feel as stressed as I have felt the previous days, or as other kids did.  I know that it is going to take some time to get used to my new schedule and these long days, but I will before I know it.  One thing that frustrates me a little, is that everyone has the same three hours at the end of the day (8ish-11) to do all of their homework and studying, so everyone gathers at the same places, which makes it noisy and difficult to focus.  For example, today, everyone was in the Belmont (hotel lobby) using the wifi and I couldn't get on the internet to do my homework.  It took me a few minutes to realize that this is how it is going to be so I had to figure out a way to get my work done.  I guess that is just another thing that I am going to have to get used to.  Overall, I had a pretty fulfilling day, and I can't wait until I get into a full routine.  Once I do, I know that I will be able to enjoy myself even more than I am now.

First Day

Wow. What a day... It was pretty overwhelming saying goodbye to my parents for a while, getting through security at the airport, mingling on the plane, and just getting settled on Kibbutz Tzuba.  This day has felt like it is never ending.  I finally finished unpacking all of my stuff, which was extremely stressful for me, because the rooms are a lot smaller than I thought, and I definitely overpacked just a little...or a lot.  Anyways, my roommates seem really nice so far and I'm excited to learn more about Tzuba and what it has to offer.  Hopefully I will be able to write again by the end of the week.

Last Day Home

So, it's my last few hours at home before I take off for the airport and begin this crazy adventure.  I am such a big ball of emotions, I don't know how I am supposed to feel.  I am going to miss waking up in my bed, seeing my family and friends everyday, and just being in town, but I know that it will all be here for me when I come home. And while I am, of course, upset about leaving all this familiar stuff behind, I am beyond excited for everything that lies ahead: falafel, labello, warmer weather, and of course, new friends, foods, places, and experiences! Follow my crazy adventures (and feel free to live vicariously through me) via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and (duh!) my blog. See you all again soon enough!

Facebook - Emma Schildkraut
Twitter - @EmmaSchildkraut
Instagram - EmmaSchildkraut

(apologies for the difficult usernames...)

About My Blog

As most of you know, I am spending a semester (4 months) of my junior year in Israel, through the program NFTY-EIE.  This is going to be my fourth time going to this beautiful place I am going to get to call home.  I leave for Israel January 27th and will return May 31st.  While in Israel, I will be staying on Kibbutz Tzuba, fifteen minutes from Jerusalem.  I will be living with about ninety other kids my age.  I've been talking with several of the kids for a few months, and I can already tell that they are all awesome and that I'm really going to enjoy living with them.  As of today (January 5, 2013), I have twenty-one days left in New York.  There are no words to describe my feelings of excitement, curiosity, nervousness, etc.  I decided to make this blog so that all of you were able to see what I'm up to, as a way to stay connected with me.  On my blog, I will post journal-type entries, some with pictures, about my daily or weekly adventures.  I cannot wait to get started on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am extremely grateful that I have been given this opportunity. 

If you want to learn more about the program, click here.