JULIA (GOMBERG) JAMAN (1996)
After graduation, I went to Pace University and majored in business management, with a concentration in human resources. After my first year, I went to Israel (Neve Yerushalayim) for the summer semester. My time in Israel was truly remarkable, and I wish I had taken a full year off, either before or during college, and stayed in Israel longer.
CAREER AND FAMILY
I work for the College Board, the non-profit organization that owns the SAT, AP and other educational programs. My title is Assistant Director of Human Resources, and I am mostly involved in the hiring process at the organization (writing job descriptions and ads, posting job openings online, interviewing applicants, making offers, etc.). I am also responsible for coordinating and running internship programs and special events for employees. I chose Human Resources as a concentration in college because I wanted to combine my desire to work with people with a career in the business sector.
I've been mostly happy with my choice, but I also realize that it's not the best career track if family life becomes more important to you than professional life. My work hours are long and it's hard to find good part-time opportunities in Human Resources. I have two children now - my oldest daughter, Shoshana, is five, and my second little girl, Peri, was just born on May 10th, 2005 - and I would like to spend more time with them than my job currently allows. Therefore, I've gone back to school and taken a few courses in special education. Hopefully, I'll be able to pursue my Master's in Special Ed shortly and transition into that field.
FONDEST BHI MEMORY
Definitely the Shabbatons. The togetherness of the teachers and students, the amazing spirit, and the good times are like nothing else I've experienced.
I WISH I KNEW THEN...
I think this is probably very corny, but incredibly true: time really flies. We always look forward to finishing school, moving on to college, etc. I wish I knew in high school how complicated life can be and how many decisions (some of them difficult) I would have to make. I wish I had enjoyed each stage of life more thoroughly, especially the relatively carefree high school years.
A MESSAGE FOR MY CLASSMATES
Next year, let's all try to reconnect for our tenth year graduation anniversary!
AN OPEN INVITATION
My husband, our little girls and I love to have company for Shabbos. We live in Flatbush (Ave O & E.19th St.), so if anyone lives nearby or wishes to walk, please give us a call: 718-336-4077.
