I moved to New York City after living in Paris for five years. Living there was one of those defining moments that irrevocably changes your life. As an American Jew in a strict French Catholic school, you could say it was slight culture shock. It was extremely hard having to be in situations that I didn’t agree with, or in which I felt I was being treated unfairly. For example, during the customary weekly obligatory Mass, I sat quietly pondering why the Chapel was so much nicer than the other school facilities. At the time, I would’ve given ANYTHING to get out of there, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t ever give up the experience I acquired or the lessons I learned. One very important lesson being the fascinating Catholic religion. For example, confession was something that, as a Jew, I can honestly say I was unfamiliar with.
I am happy to inform you that this gap in my education was quickly remedied. Now that I think about it, that whole experience is what ultimately led me to do what I am doing now. To voluntarily put myself in a position WAY out of my comfort zone, like I am in this coming year, is something that I would never have done prior to this life changing experience. In my senior year of high school, I was all set and ready to go to college after I had gotten accepted early decision.
Now, college is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but I finally realized that there was another option, maybe even one that could offer me an incredible learning experience along with the opportunity to instill lasting change in the world. So, as I prepare to take the plunge into social unfamiliarity, I hope I will be able to take on my ignorance as well as to pave the way for change. G-C-WHAT??? G-C-Y!!!
