Hello! Here is my student of the week piece!
Hey there! My name is Sophie “The Rock” Elfenbaum, coming at ya from West Hartford, Connecticut. This is my second semester on aardvark and, let me tell you, I am THRIVING!
Last semester I was in TLV. I interned at Latet,one of the biggest NGO’s in Israel and it was ~sweet~. While TLV was fun, being in Jerusalem is a totally different and amazing experience. Right now, I’m a volunteer at Alyn Rehabilitation Hospital, where I work in the maon, which is ages 0-3, with babies who were born with disabilities, including respiratory issues, loss of senses, and more. The kids are all so sweet and playful, but do have their hard days. The work is emotionally hard, but so rewarding to watch them reach goals.
In Jerusalem, one of my favorite things to do is go to Emek Refaim, by way of the old train tracks. It’s such a nice walk to do with friends and Emek has so many cute coffee shops and restaurants.
This semester, my favorite Tiyul was definitely the Dead Sea, during our first week. As it’s my first time in Israel, I was so excited to do more of the ~classic~ trips. My friends all laughed at me because I was over-the-moon to cover myself in mud. It was a cloudy day but one of the best days I’ve ever had.
While I’m 2/3 done with my gap year, I know there is still so much in store for me, before I go to university (Fear the Fork!!!).
For more updates, follow my israel Instagram @sophisrael (I mostly post for my grandparents sake but feel free to check out my sick pics)
Catch ya later
