t u o b a y r r Wo h a r o T your . n o i t por hours. ice v r e s r Not you Because We Care is a program that offers fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities for b’nai mitzvah students. They can join us for one or more of our Monthly Mitzvot. Sundaes in the Sukkah September 23 The Great Challah Bake October 21 Congregation Shaarey Zedek November 11 Fall Fix Up Different community sites Hanukkah Helpers Chicken Soup for the Soul of Detroit December 9 January 13 Adat Shalom Synagogue February 17 Brighten-Their-Day Bundles March 24 Parcels for Patients April 28 Soothing Sunday May 19 Spring into Action for college students by college students continued from page 22 consistent bedtime (which is super helpful, even if it is pretty late), and time to relax and take care of yourself. I would also suggest you schedule in time to go to office hours with your professors. Office hours are the best way to get help on classwork, ask questions and build meaningful rela- tionships with your faculty members. It’s easy to put them off until the last week of classes, but the earlier you start attending office hours, the bet- ter you will do in your classes and the more on-top of things you’ll feel. If it helps you, I would also suggest finding your go-to study space. This is proven to help with your homework and can often lead to better grades and a stronger understanding of your class materials. Might I suggest your cam- pus’ Jewish student center or main library? 2. Prioritize YOU! Your physical, mental and emotional health is so important. If you aren’t feeling your best, your academic and social experiences in college could be affected. Even though you are away from home, there are many resources to help you, including a student health center, counseling services and student organizations devoted to helping students feel their best. It is so important that if you need it, you know about the resources that can help you, so do a little bit of research on what is avail- able to you as a student. Additionally, if you see a thera- pist, psychologist or other medical professional regularly at home, you make a plan to either go home to see them or you find an option while at school. Many health profession- als will have recommendations, so let them know where you’re going to school and they can help you set up the best plan that works for you. Remember, you’re at college to learn, expand your horizons and have a positive experience. If you need help, there are so many ways to get it. 1. Remember: The Jewish community will always be there for you. Whether you’re the most active Jew in the community or you rarely interact with your Jewish peers, remember that we’re here for you. If you’re going to a campus with a lot of Jewish students or one with only a handful, community can be built anywhere. It is always helpful and meaningful to have a group of peers to support you and build you up while at school. College can be scary, and there can be some chal- lenges for Jewish students on cam- pus, including anti-Semitic incidents or anti-Israel sentiments. Remember that you are not alone and that there is a support system on campus to help you with whatever you need. Also, getting involved in the Jewish community on campus can lead to new friendships, exciting opportunities and fun program- ming. So whether you seek out the Jewish community on campus or you ignore my Facebook messages asking if you want to get coffee, remember that the community is ready to support you in any way they can, whenever you need it. @ Nate Strauss is director of Jewish Student Life and IACT Coordinator for Israel Engagement at Michigan State University Hillel. This story first appeared on myjewishdetroit.org. All programs are held at JFS in West Bloomfield unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, visit jfsdetroit.org/becausewecare or contact Erin Lederman at 248.880.3787 or elederman@jfsdetroit.org. Be ca 24 re Students enjoy Hillel’s Israel@70 celebration. u s e We C August 23 • 2018 The hear t of a a STRONGER COMMUNITY For 90 years jn