POST-BHI IMPRESSION
After graduation, I matriculated at Hunter College. I was interested in pursuing medicine, and Hunter College offered the best and most challenging pre-med program among all the CUNY colleges. I will be graduating this coming May with a major in psychology and a minor in chemistry. I have been admitted to SUNY Optometry and will be starting their 4-year program in August. To those who are not familiar with the profession, optometrists are eye doctors specializing in primary care - someone you visit to get your eyes checked out for poor vision.
My first impression of Hunter was that it is a school of survival. You are suddenly all alone: you don't know your classmates or professors, and they don't know you. Not only do they not know your name, but they don't seem to want to find out. You have to constantly adjust and readjust to professors' teaching styles. You have to fight for classes and put together your own schedule. Coming from Be'er Hagolah - where even the principals know you by name and there is a set schedule for every student - this change was the biggest adjustment for me. Otherwise, I have no complains or regrets. I like Hunter College and I think I made a good choice.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
When I graduated from high school, I miraculously got a job in a big chain Optical in Queens, where I was trained to become an eyewear consultant. I still work there part-time, and I love what I do! I enjoy working with clients and with professionals, such as Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, and Opticians. This job was partly the reason that I chose to pursue Optometry. I mostly work with an Optometrist, which made me comfortable and well aware of what the job entails. No I am ready to become an Optometrist myself!
For those interested in this field, my word of advice is: get good grades (B and above) in all natural sciences, and in all other classes; volunteer or work with an Optometrist so that you become familiar with their daily work; and study very well for the Optometry Admission Test. If you are not sure whether your school offers pre-med sciences (many four year colleges do), get in touch with guidance counselors in your school. Or contact me, and I will be very happy to help you.
REMEMBERING THE PAST
I have many good memories of Be'er Hagolah, but my fondest memory is of the 11th and 12th grade trip to Israel for Succos. I sometimes wish I could rewind the clock and experience those two weeks one more time with my classmates. The trip connected me not only to Israel, but to my fellow classmates and teachers. I saw a fun and laid-back side of every person on our trip, including Mrs. Hollander! It was truly a time to cherish and remember.
Aside for the Israel trip, our Shabbatons were a lot of fun. I have not gone on a single Shabatton since I graduated, and I really miss them. I miss coming to someone's home, detaching myself from school and family, and spending a few days in utopia, isolated from reality. And what a bargain these Shabbatons really were! I remember complaining if a Shabbaton cost a little more than usual, but who was I kidding? My daily lunch in college costs more than the a three day Shabbaton. Wow, now I really appreciate how much Be'er Hagolah did for us. Thanks!
I miss many of my classmates. I think we should get together for dinner or something of that sort. We can bring pictures, eat, laugh and talk of the good times. I really appreciate that every classmate who got married so far, personally invited me to her wedding. It feels good not to be forgotten and I hope we continue this trend.
ON A FINAL NOTE
I never had a chance to say thank you to the person who developed this website. I really appreciate that the site is easy to use and constantly updated - it really shows how much work and time goes into this project. I am glad that Be'er Hagolah is technologically advancing. I am especially grateful for this website because it reminds me about many holiday customs and keeps me up to date with what other alumnae are doing. Great Work and Keep it up!
Good luck to all the students in this school year and many years to come. Feel free to contact me: my email address is divadiana1483@yahoo.com
