(no subject)
So here's the interesting thing. I graduated from USY almost exactly two years ago. And today I watched some of my friends go through exactly what I experienced then. I decided to go back and read what I posted after that weekend. (Sidenote - I dont know if its amazing or rather pathetic that i've now kept this LJ thing going for two solid years) I just want to repost what I wrote then though...
Well... I think I'm ready. It's taken me a couple days for it to sink in that I'm actually finished USY. In fact, I'm not quite entirely there yet. This was the most amazing weekend. What a way to end the most incredible experience of my life. There's little more that I could have asked for from this weekend. In fact, there were only a few people missing that could have made it that much better. I finally understand what my friends felt as they graduated ahead of me. But looking back, I realize that those who were most important to me, are still in my life, and they always will be. The same goes for the future. My life has been enriched by the people I've met. They are the most religious, anti-religion, crazy, conservative, loving, reserved, outgoing, outstanding, strong and icredible people I've ever had the honour of being close with. I look at my freinds at school, and realize, that although they mean the world to me, I've had to work to build those relationships. In USY we skip that stage. We become the best of friends overnight. Looking back, how much time have I physically spent with most of my Jews? Very little, but we made every second count, and we have a connection that could cut through steel. I'm ashamed to say that in any other setting, chances are I would never talk to people who are my best friends. But being together in a Jewish setting took away those inhibitions and I've met my favourite people. I dont know the next time i'm going to see any of you, (well except Debbie) but I do know that I WILL see you, and we will value every minute of our time. USY has changed me. Believe it or not, I used to be shy and quiet. Kinnus freshman year terrified me. But now I have more confidence in myself, and I've learned how to be a leader. You've all help to shape who I am, and how I look at life. IF there's one thing I could say about the last four years it's that I do not have a single regret. To those of you that get to stick around for awhile longer, cherish it. My senior friends told me that as a sophmore. When they left, I thought my life was over. Suddenly half my friends were gone. Suddenly I've found myself in their place. Telling my sophmore friends to value USY and never take it for granted. I know some of you think it's never going to be the same, and I won't lie, it wont. But it's still going to be incredible. You will never replace those of us that have to move on, instead you will just gain more. I know that I can go anywhere and always have a familiar face to see. Please, everyone... keep in touch. My door is always open. Call me anytime.
I love you all, thank you for being my friend
Love
Becky
I still feel the same as I did that day about every person i was referring to. And having the opportunity to go back as an advisor meant that there were others about whom I came to love and respect. USYers are a unique blend of individuality, creativity and religiosity. Each time I'm there I continue to meet outstanding people who are accomplishing incredible things.
To those of you that just graduated...first and foremost, congratulations. Welcome to the world of life beyond USY. Trust me, as much as I loved being there this year, I hated being your advisor. I felt that there was so much that I couldn't say and do, when really, I just wanted to be your friend. Thank you for understanding that while you're all my friends, I did have to (on occasion) watch what I said and did, and "order you around". Thank you for showing me the respect that you showed other staff, and not undermining me in front of younger USYers.
This weekend meant a great deal to me. I'm leaving Calgary in a week, and I feel like my entire life is about to change. This weekend felt like true closure for me. Although people asked me to come back to USY when I return from Israel, at this point, I really dont feel like I'm going. I think the time has come for me to close that chapter of my life. The memories, lessons and friendships will be with me forever, and if nothing else, the last two years have proven that i dont need the place to make the love come alive. So to USY and to all of you, I say,
"Good Luck, Good Bye, I love you".
These are the words of the song that was sung by my camp director on final night every year. I cannot think of any words more fitting to how I feel right now. So my friends.... dont cry because its over, smile because it happened.
Well... I think I'm ready. It's taken me a couple days for it to sink in that I'm actually finished USY. In fact, I'm not quite entirely there yet. This was the most amazing weekend. What a way to end the most incredible experience of my life. There's little more that I could have asked for from this weekend. In fact, there were only a few people missing that could have made it that much better. I finally understand what my friends felt as they graduated ahead of me. But looking back, I realize that those who were most important to me, are still in my life, and they always will be. The same goes for the future. My life has been enriched by the people I've met. They are the most religious, anti-religion, crazy, conservative, loving, reserved, outgoing, outstanding, strong and icredible people I've ever had the honour of being close with. I look at my freinds at school, and realize, that although they mean the world to me, I've had to work to build those relationships. In USY we skip that stage. We become the best of friends overnight. Looking back, how much time have I physically spent with most of my Jews? Very little, but we made every second count, and we have a connection that could cut through steel. I'm ashamed to say that in any other setting, chances are I would never talk to people who are my best friends. But being together in a Jewish setting took away those inhibitions and I've met my favourite people. I dont know the next time i'm going to see any of you, (well except Debbie) but I do know that I WILL see you, and we will value every minute of our time. USY has changed me. Believe it or not, I used to be shy and quiet. Kinnus freshman year terrified me. But now I have more confidence in myself, and I've learned how to be a leader. You've all help to shape who I am, and how I look at life. IF there's one thing I could say about the last four years it's that I do not have a single regret. To those of you that get to stick around for awhile longer, cherish it. My senior friends told me that as a sophmore. When they left, I thought my life was over. Suddenly half my friends were gone. Suddenly I've found myself in their place. Telling my sophmore friends to value USY and never take it for granted. I know some of you think it's never going to be the same, and I won't lie, it wont. But it's still going to be incredible. You will never replace those of us that have to move on, instead you will just gain more. I know that I can go anywhere and always have a familiar face to see. Please, everyone... keep in touch. My door is always open. Call me anytime.
I love you all, thank you for being my friend
Love
Becky
I still feel the same as I did that day about every person i was referring to. And having the opportunity to go back as an advisor meant that there were others about whom I came to love and respect. USYers are a unique blend of individuality, creativity and religiosity. Each time I'm there I continue to meet outstanding people who are accomplishing incredible things.
To those of you that just graduated...first and foremost, congratulations. Welcome to the world of life beyond USY. Trust me, as much as I loved being there this year, I hated being your advisor. I felt that there was so much that I couldn't say and do, when really, I just wanted to be your friend. Thank you for understanding that while you're all my friends, I did have to (on occasion) watch what I said and did, and "order you around". Thank you for showing me the respect that you showed other staff, and not undermining me in front of younger USYers.
This weekend meant a great deal to me. I'm leaving Calgary in a week, and I feel like my entire life is about to change. This weekend felt like true closure for me. Although people asked me to come back to USY when I return from Israel, at this point, I really dont feel like I'm going. I think the time has come for me to close that chapter of my life. The memories, lessons and friendships will be with me forever, and if nothing else, the last two years have proven that i dont need the place to make the love come alive. So to USY and to all of you, I say,
"Good Luck, Good Bye, I love you".
These are the words of the song that was sung by my camp director on final night every year. I cannot think of any words more fitting to how I feel right now. So my friends.... dont cry because its over, smile because it happened.