GET THE FACTS about active retirement living at FOX RUN in Novi. for college students by college students Mission Accomplished MSU student staffer believes Metro Detroit teens gain Israel advocacy skills — and more — on trip. Bri Dines } jewish@edu writer FREE 38-PAGE BROCHURE WRITTEN BY THE RETIREMENT EXPERTS! The comprehensive Fox Run brochure is packed with the crucial information you need—and the exciting details you want—about carefree senior living in Novi. Staffer Bri Dines, center in glasses, floats the Jordan River with Teen Mission goers. he Jewish community has had a very strong impact on my life. Starting with BBYO in eighth grade, the Jew- ish community has fostered leadership skills and confidence within me. When I moved to East Lansing to begin college at Michigan State University, I quickly found the Jewish community through MSU Hillel to be my “home away from home,” providing various opportunities to continue to grow as a Jew- ish leader. I was scrolling through my emails in Oc- tober when one caught my eye. Sam Appel, who led my Birthright trip the previous year and was an MSU Hillel staff member, posted an application to staff the Federation of Met- ropolitan Detroit’s Teen Mission. I had a love for Israel, through my Birthright experience and my internship with the David Project, and I had been looking for ways to give back to my Jewish community that has done so much for me. So I eagerly applied. When I received the call from Jackie Yashinsky that I was selected to staff, I almost cried I was so excited. Looking back on the trip, there were so many incredible memories and moments. Whether it was the debate sparked about the Kotel after Anat Hoffman spoke to the group about the Women of the Wall, the tears in the teens eyes as they listened to the Israeli counselor reflect on her army experience at Mount Herzl, or their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and try something new — I was constantly in awe of the Teen T Call 1-800-917-8169 or visit EricksonLiving.com to request your FREE brochure! Novi EricksonLiving.com 11495988 2061780 34 September 1 • 2016 Mission participants. I was looking at this trip as an opportunity to begin to give back, but I truly gained so much as well. I feel this trip is really important as it gives teens the opportunity to explore Israel before they enter college and are then surrounded by people who may not view Israel in a posi- tive light, something not very evident in “the West Bloomfield bubble.” As an Israel advocate on campus, I know firsthand how easy it is for people to point fingers at Israel. It gives me great comfort knowing these teens had the opportunity to spend a month in Israel and were provided a foundation and knowledge to be advocates for Israel as well. Staffing the Teen Mission was one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences I have ever had. Alongside the other amazing staff, tour guides and rabbis, I had the oppor- tunity to interact with exceptional teens and experience the beauty, excitement, controver- sy and progress of Israel with them. The teens continued to blow my mind throughout the trip with their knowledge, questions and the passionate views they carried as they toured through Israel. It was an absolute pleasure to staff the Teen Mission, and I look forward to bringing back the knowledge and memories to Michigan State as I enter my senior year and continue to be an Israel advocate on campus. @ Bri Dines of West Bloomfield is a senior at Michigan State University.