CLASS OF 1995
That was a great year for me. The seminary picked up where BHI left off and helped me propel myself to a whole new level of knowledge of Yiddeshkeit. It brought me more or less on par with peers who've been in the Jewish educational system their whole lives. There was also plenty of regular seminary stuff - excursions to different places of Eretz Yisroel, chessed activities by different families, late-night heart-to-heart conversations with fellow students. It was a lot of fun, overall. I did learn one disappointing fact - that Klal Yisroel was not the big happy family we thought it was while still in BHI. Rather, there are multitudes of factions, (especially so in Israel), externally differentiated by black kippah, knitted kippah, hat, no hat, beard, clean shave, etc., etc.
The following year, I attended Ma'a lot in Yerushalyim. Ma'alot is a college program that combines Jewish studies with secular, is accredited by ACA and provides for the girls to get degrees from Thomas Edison college in NJ. That was a very enjoyable year as well, among a more uniform and mature crowd. I received a BA, specializing in computer science, along with the polishing touches to my Jewish self-image.
NEW FAMILY
The next year I was back in my parents' house, in Michigan, working as a programmer and looking to get married. B"H, that stage lasted for only one year, as I met my husband, and we started our married life in Cleveland… We now have 3 yummy children, B"H: a boy, 4 and half; a girl, almost 3; and the baby, 16 months old.
SUCCESSFUL CAREER
Right now I work for a large bank, headquartered in Cleveland, as a programmer. We moved to Lakewood a few years ago, but I was able to keep the job, B"YH. I decided to work in Information Technology while back in Eretz Yisroel. I was drawn to computers since I was a little girl, and, when getting my hands on it, found programming to be fun and satisfying.
I also realized that to be the best me that I could be - being that I was a Jewish woman - I'd want to make my (then future) family my focus. I also very badly wanted to bring in the money to allow my husband to learn in a kollel. Programming offered the following advantages to facilitate those goals: 1) minimal schooling, especially when comparing to other professions; 2) potential flexibility of work hours and work location; 3) potential for well-paying positions. 7 years in the work-force later, I have not been disappointed.
As far as advice to others - if you like playing around with your PC and going beyond its basic functions - programming might be a something to consider. Even thought it is not as popular as it was a few years ago, there is always a need for quality professionals, as in any other occupation. For those who'd like to work part time and/or from home - the best is to get the foot in the door while still single or newly married, i.e. no kids. Once your establish your trustworthiness with a company and gain invaluable experience that can not be replaced easily, it will be easier for the company to let you work fewer hours and/or from home.
BHI MEMORIES
My Shabbatons' memories are the warmest, with all the activities, late-night talks, learning, playing and discovering together. It's been over 9 years since I graduated, with many new experiences and discoveries over the years. Still, I have very warm and distinct memories of BHI. I only wish I'd enjoyed those times even more, and expressed more gratitude to the teachers and staff who made it all possible.
THOUGHTS FOR FELLOW ALUMS
I am yet to see contemporary society praising mothers who stay at home to tend to their families. Degrees and money are worth a lot more these days and it's a real pity. I have a degree, and a good job, B"YH, but raising a family and taking care of my home is by far more challenging and more rewarding part of my days. So, my dear fellow alumnae, while pursuing education and "making it" at work, let's keep our priorities where they belong - at home.
