jewish edu for college students by college students A Rewarding Internship GVSU senior spends summer doing social work in Israel. Sammi Fine "Best in the Midwest." —The Princeton Review jewish@edu writer was asked to describe something indescribable, an experience of a life- time. I was fortunate to have spent my summer in Israel, liv- ing in Tel Aviv and working for an inspiring nonprofit organi- zation, the Jaffa Institute. Working for 10 weeks, Sunday through Thursday, I began to collaborate with the Jaffa Institute's mission of curing the intergenerational poverty found in Israel's most impoverished areas of Jaffa, South Tel Aviv and Bat Yam. As I am about to complete my undergraduate degree in social work and criminal justice at Grand Valley State University this fall, I have received priceless experience that will undoubtedly assist me through- out the rest of my career as well as my personal life. For those unfamiliar with the field of social work, it is often split into two main practice Sammi Fine supporting Israel categories called "micro" and at GVSU macro." Before Israel, I had been more familiar and com- inhabitants do not sleep. There is always fortable with the micro, involv- something to do, see and experience. ing working hands-on with a person or I also traveled north, visiting Afula, small group of people to reach a certain Tzfat, Karmiel, the Galilee and the Golan, goal. However, after working with the while also making a point to visit the Jaffa Institute, I have become much more holy city of Jerusalem. I attempted to visit comfortable and confident in my skills on as many places as I could, and make the the macro level. most of my 10-week stay. By writing grant proposals, heading As my summer came to an end, I the social media department, fundraising, began to realize not only how attached I presenting to visiting volunteer groups had become to this country, but also the as well as traveling to our many different important skills I have learned throughout programming locations, I was given the my stay that I want to bring back with me sense of the big picture and why orga- to the United States and to school. nizations such as the Jaffa Institute and This fall, I will begin my position as the this macro practice are vital to making a community service chair of Hillel at GVSU, difference, even changing the world. a position I am now even more excited Notice how I describe myself work- about doing after being in Israel. After ing "with" the Jaffa Institute, and not an entire summer on another continent, "for" the Jaffa Institute. In Israel, intern- immersing myself in another culture, all ing is much different than in the United while doing community service work, I States. Never once was I asked to "get believe I have an even bigger skill set to the boss coffee" or "to go make copies." offer our Hillel and the community. Senseless, mindless work regularly given This summer of a lifetime is one I will to interns in the United States is gener- never forget. I intend on taking every ally unheard of here. experience I had and everything I learned I was treated as a co-worker, as if my and using it toward my future. To Grand work and contributions to the organiza- Valley State's Hillel, you best prepare tion were of use and necessity; I was yourselves for some stellar community made to feel important. service initiatives; and to Israel, look out, Besides my incredible internship, I was because you will be seeing me again very able to reside in the center of Israel's soon. @ most ambitious, creative and young city — Tel Aviv. A city where at 4 a.m. you would swear it was only eleven at Sammi Fine of West Bloomfield is a night; the streets are full, and bars are senior at Grand Valley State University in only beginning to close. This city and its Allendale. I AT THE TOP OF OUR CLASS. Grand Valley is leading the way with professionally relevant academic programs, real-world research opportunities, and outstanding campus facilities. Plus, our students benefit from personalized instruction made possible by small class sizes and dedicated professors. It's all part of our liberal education foundation that provides a great return on investment and makes Grand Valley a top choice in the Midwest and beyond. gvsu.edu/GRAND1(800) 748-0246 @GRANDVALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY. www.gvsu.edu \A(eicipme Sack! " We You tkaci a 6y_c4. Summer! IfYkLY A CADEMIC TUTORING C ONFIDENCE BUILDING TESTING STRATEGIES Hurry! All ACT and Academic tutoring sessions are being booked now. Don't get left in the dust and call today! n college? We can still help you! Ask about our online tutoring. 7115 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 320 West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322 http://www.mallyact.com (248) 78—TUTOR 8 8 8 6 7 1833870 JN August 22 • 2013 43