By Avygayl Zucker
Dear fellow students,
It was Fall 2021, my first semester of Yeshiva University, and I was in the midst of applying to several other colleges. I didn’t feel like I belonged in YU. I had come from Midrasha after two years in Israel. I had my friends and roommates, I had amazing classes, but I felt like Stern was for other people, not for me. I felt unnatural in my environment as a queer student, obsessed with philosophy and dance, and not really interested in getting my MRS degree. However, I was not one to quit, so I decided to give myself a year before making the decision of whether to leave or to stay.
Throughout my first year at YU, I pushed myself to get involved. I joined clubs, and then I joined their boards. I went to events and learned more about my peers — some of whom felt like outsiders and some of whom felt like they’d finally found their homes. On a whim — and in line with my mission to be as involved as possible — I applied to be on the staff of the Seforim Sale. I didn’t think much of it since it was just another thing for me to do, but it ended up being the best part of my year.
At the Seforim Sale, I found my community amongst a community of distinct people. In a room full of differences, we worked together to create something bigger than us. Through that process, we all became a family.
I never thought that I would stay in YU, let alone become the President of the Beren Campus Student Government. Throughout these years though, I found purpose here. I realized that making this university a university for everyone and a place where all students can find their purposes — just like I did — is what I wanted to do with the remainder of my time.
The Seforim Sale was the first instance in which I felt that I belonged, but it wasn’t the last. I started dancing again with the dance club and I audited a GPATS Gemara shiur because I missed in-depth Talmud study. I also ended up in a band, playing at an open mic night and battle of the bands with the music club. All of these experiences, and multiple more, are ones which have shaped my YU experience — and these don’t even touch on the academics.
In YU, we have teachers who are willing to set up meetings with us just to brainstorm internships; small classes where every voice is valued in a discussion; big classes where we meet new people. YU has been my home. It’s where I gained career insights and opportunities; it’s where I’ve made networking connections unlike those that any other university could have offered; it’s where I met people who I know I will spend the rest of my life around and learning from.
I know there are students out there who feel that none of this is for them. Students who didn’t expect a double curriculum in college, or who feel that they don’t fit into the student body mold. Maybe you just graduated high school, or just stepped off the plane from Israel. Maybe you’ve been here for 3 years and are still not sure why. Either way, YU might feel like the new place, and where you were before still might feel like home.
Change takes time and you are not alone. I struggled, but ultimately, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that there are people around me willing to teach me and raise me up. I learned that if I take something on with passion and confidence, others will follow. I learned that the people around me believe in me. But, most importantly, I learned how to become a leader and to work with the different voices in YU. Many of us are united through religion, but we are all individuals. It is important not to let the unique voices get lost in the sauce. I hope that this year I can represent the whole student body, make programming that includes every group among us, and advocate for those who feel alone.
My biggest piece of advice to you is: seek out the change you want to make. And, if you don’t know how, ask us! The student government is here for you; we exist solely to enhance the experience of the student body. Let’s make this year into what you, the student, want your year to look like. If you feel a club is missing, make it! If you want a special event or speaker, tell us! Find your voice and don’t be afraid to ask.
Create a community for yourself out of the vision that you have for your future. That’s what Yeshiva University is all about.
Welcome!
– Avygayl Zucker, President, Beren Campus Student Government