By Betty Khirman and Shoshana Fisher
The year began with an empty calendar and a quiet but nagging feeling that May would come much faster than expected. At the time, everything felt vast, undefined, and honestly, intimidating. From meeting with the administration, to raising issues on behalf of students, and making public decisions and statements, we wondered if we were fully prepared for what this role demanded of us or what we expected of ourselves.
Now the year is coming to a close, with a calendar that was a whirlwind of events, projects, initiatives and accomplishments, and a feeling that it’s over too soon. Looking back, what stands out most is not only what we accomplished, but what we learned along the way and how those lessons will shape us moving forward. What once felt overwhelming slowly became something we learned how to navigate, not just as individuals but in tandem.
Our programming was intentional and wide-reaching. From a Chanukah schedule that fostered warmth and energy, to mental health weeks that prioritized student well-being, to midterm and finals programming for when students needed a boost the most and events like the Zusha concert and the Camp Shabbatons that created connection and a sense of shared experience, we tried our best to hit every base and fill every niche. But behind each of these moments, both big and small, we found ourselves in countless conversations, late-night decisions and moments of uncertainty where we had to trust ourselves, even when we didn’t feel confident. More importantly, we learned to lean on each other for support and reassurance in moments when the imposter syndrome hit hardest.
So much of this year’s work wasn’t visible. A lot of our work happened behind the scenes, in meetings that were never extended beyond the room or simply conversations with peers that shaped the direction of what we were building. Navigating the new student organization system required adaptability, patience and persistence. There were moments we walked into rooms unsure if we were asking the right questions or making the right decisions.
We were honored to be a voice for the student body, even if, at times, that responsibility felt overwhelming. In those moments of doubt, we leaned on each other. When one of us wasn’t sure, the other helped to guide. Slowly but surely, that uncertainty turned into more confidence. Not because we had all the answers, but because we learned how to figure things out together.
And that may be the greatest lesson we are taking with us. In life, you may be given a role or assigned a team, and there’s often a quiet pull of ego, the desire to say “I did this on my own.” But what we’ve learned is that the real strength comes from collaboration. If you allow yourself to rely on others, to see beyond your own perspective, then you will build something that reflects more than just one voice.
The partnership between president and vice president is what made this year what it was. Or let us rephrase that…the friendship between the president and vice president made this year what it was. It was never meant to be a one-person role, and it never felt like one. More than that, sharing a common vision and care for the future of this institution allowed us to put ego aside and make decisions rooted in what is best for the community, one we both care deeply about.
Through working together, we gained a deeper understanding of how much care and effort go into creating a meaningful student experience. We saw firsthand how deeply faculty and staff across YU care about their students. Building relationships with different departments across the university became essential, not only to execute programs successfully, but to ensure that student voices were heard and supported at every level. We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from the undergraduate deans, the Office of Student Life team, the campus rabbis and rebbetzins, the facilities, housing, dining, operations department, and everyone else who contributed their time and effort to helping us accomplish our goals. Thank you for not only supporting us but also working together to build a stronger community.
We also saw the power of building community by creating student stakeholders who are interested in communal success. When students step up, contribute, feel ownership over and invest in something larger than themselves, the impact is stronger and more lasting. Student organization leaders, members of TAC and BCSG, and everyone who lent a hand throughout the year invested in their Stern experiences and took part in shaping them.
We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the president and vice president positions and have truly gained from this experience in a variety of ways. As we finish our time at Stern and step into the next chapters of our lives, what we have been able to accomplish, the lessons we have learned and the people we have had the opportunity to work with and be inspired by will stay with us forever. And now, we know we have each other.
With appreciation,
Betty and Shoshana
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Betty Khirman