I think the most important thing to know about New College is that you really have to come and be motivated. There's not going to be somebody sitting and telling you, 'okay, you have to do your homework.' You have to choose to study something that you're passionate about so you can really thrive in it because, whereas in other schools you might be working for a grade, in New College there aren't grades in the same sense. I think to be really motivated, really want to succeed here is very much a personal decision. Another thing that is just so unique is it's just a beautiful place--just so many amazing, intelligent, open-minded people here. I just think coming with a certain kind of open-minded attitude will help you fit in really well.
The fact that we have a place called the Gender Diversity Center shows how much New college is dedicated to increasing diversity on our campus, increasing understanding of gender differences, and wanting to understand gender studies. The fact that there is a space for religious groups to meet, also shows that there's a tolerance, there's a certain openness in the New College community for all different kinds of clubs to meet, all different kinds of people to become involved. Involvement is what really makes people excited about doing things here. The wonderful thing about New College is that if you have an idea, you can do it.
After I graduate, I hope to save up money and move to Israel, where I can continue the research that I began as a thesis student, working with the Ethiopian Jewish community. I hope to also pursue anthropology and maybe work as a volunteer in different Jewish communities throughout the world, be it South America or India or Israel, and really teach people about Judaism--about Israel I think that so many of the skills I've acquired at New College have made me such a stronger person because it's been a place where i can thrive and really become somebody, really find out what I'm passionate about.
