84 | MAY 20 • 2021 continued on page 86 T his academic year has been one full of challenges for me, as well as for many other students. Attending “Zoom University” sounds cuter than it is — even as someone who had the privilege of living in East Lansing these past two semesters, I still felt defeated and lonely at times. Sitting for hours a day staring at a computer screen can take a physical and emo- tional toll; never did I think I’d so desperately miss being crammed into a huge lecture hall with hundreds of other students. Because of these extra challenges this year, more than ever, students needed social interaction — some wisp of normalcy to cling to. As president of Spartans for Israel, I spent a large portion of this year trying to think of ways to bring this normalcy back to MSU stu- dents. Many questions arose along the way — one of the biggest questions being: How do you get these students engaged with Israel program- ming when they are sick and tired of online interaction? Thankfully, our online programming far surpassed what I could have ever imag- ined. With the hard work of the Spartans for Israel eboard and staff members, we had a year full of vibrant Israel programming that created a community of enthusiastic and supportive students. This community is a large part of what helped carry me through this year of online learning. More than that, this community is the group of students who supported each other and stuck togeth- er when Israel sentiment Students at The Shuk during Israel Week: Sarah Kerr of Rochester; Pelli Mechnikov of Huntington Woods; Julia Foos of Highland Park, Illinois; and Julia Diskin of Farmington Hills. MSU HILLEL Spartans for Israel hold in-person Israel Week events. A Taste of Normalcy Pelli Mechnikov } jewish@edu writer for college students by college students YOU JUST GAVE WARRIOR STRONG A WHOLE NEW MEANING. wayne.edu Nathan Silverman We are so proud of all your hard work, drive and determination! Wishing you a future filled with love, happiness, good health and success! IIT Architecture awaits you! All our love, Mom, Dad, Elie, Levi, Penelope, Gio & Tiger Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov! Jordyn Zeldes On the volleyball, tennis or any court of your choosing, you dig deep and feel deeply. Thank you! We’ve watched with awe in our front row seats and look forward to the thrills that await. We love you! OXO Your biggest fans: Dad, Mom, Gabe, Tommy & Eli Rachel Weiss We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished so far! The sky’s the limit and we know that your future is bright! We love you, Mom, Dad and Jake Grammy and Papa Meema and Stevie Mazel Tov!