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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The professors and classes are diverse and engage in different aspects of Jewish thought and expression.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
There are many first-year friendly options in terms of classes, so don’t be afraid to try out different Jewish Studies classes, even if you have no background or knowledge in the topic. I have spoken to many freshmen and sophomores who have taken a class and didn’t know much yet found that they could relate to or understand the Jewish historical experience better. Not to plug, but Dr Haus’ Sophomore Seminar “Jews on Film” is an all-time class, even if you are not necessarily interested in Jewish History but want a better understanding in a fun way.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Don’t go too cruel on yourself and take appropriate breaks when needed so that you don’t get burned out.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
It is okay to change what you intended to do when you first came to K College.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class at K was Jews on Film because the readings were great, and it felt like the class was so engaged with the films when we watched them as well as during discussions.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken so many differing classes at K, from intro to documentary making to Modern Chinese history. Freshman and Sophomore years are a time of pure exploration, so make use of them. Kalamazoo College allows you to do this, so even if you have an idea and are taking specific classes, always be open to trying something you’ve been interested in but haven’t explored. I had no experience with documentary making yet ended up loving the class and making films I would’ve never thought I could make years earlier.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am active in Hillel and will be the vice president of education this year. I plan to help make events and organize.

What is your SIP?
My SIP will focus on Algerian and North African Jewry during the years up to the Vichy Regime and Vichy. For reference, the Vichy Regime was the Nazi aligned Fascist French government during World War II.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan to work in the field of Jewish professionalism with the goals of Jewish advocacy and outreach.

What is a random fun fact about you?
While I enjoy reading now, growing up and until my junior year of high school, I despised reading overall. Also, I used to sleep in a bunk bed by myself because I liked to alternate sleeping on the top and the bottom sometimes.