My decision to join the Student to Student program was driven by a combination of my personal experiences as a Jewish teen, experiences that other Jewish teens have faced, and my commitment to social justice and standing up for the Jewish community. Growing up in a Jewish family, I have experienced instances of antisemitism and ignorance about Judaism firsthand. These experiences made me want to show everyone how amazing Judaism is by educating others to foster a more inclusive and educated society in Tulsa.

The Student to Student program was a unique opportunity to address issues regarding antisemitism by directly engaging with students at other schools, and to create an environment where open, respectful, and constructive conversations can happen. This year in Student to Student, I had the opportunity to travel to Jenks High School with two other Jewish teens to give an educational presentation about antisemitism to a diverse group of students. Our Student to Student team delivered presentations that covered the fundamentals of Judaism, Jewish culture, Jewish history, and the issues faced by Jewish communities globally.

We set up our talks to be both informative and interactive, encouraging questions and discussions. By sharing personal stories and cultural traditions, we aimed to humanize the Jewish people and eliminate frequently held stereotypes. My favorite part of Student to Student was the Q&A sessions after our presentations. The students were genuinely curious and after giving us their attention during our presentation, we gave them a platform to ask any questions they had. The students interacted with us by voicing their thoughts and bravely asking questions that we received without judgment.

It was rewarding to see their perspectives shift as they gained a deeper understanding of Judaism and the realities of antisemitism. One particularly memorable moment was when a student who I used to go to school with approached me after a presentation to thank us for sharing our experiences and said that they felt more connected and empathetic toward the Jewish community as a result. Participating in the Student to Student program taught me several valuable lessons. First, I learned the importance of dialogue in breaking down biases. Biases often stem from a lack of knowledge, and by educating others, we can pave the way for inclusivity and unity. Additionally, I developed public speaking and leadership skills, which will be beneficial in many aspects of my future aspirations.

I would recommend the Student to Student program to other high school students. It is an incredible opportunity to make an important impact in your community while developing valuable life skills. My advice to prospective participants is to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to share your own story. It Is important to be authentic and passionate when educating others and creating meaningful connections. Our presentations played a significant role in helping combat antisemitism by providing accurate information and personal experiences that challenge negative stereotypes. By addressing misunderstandings directly and promoting empathy, we helped students see beyond the biases they may have heard or seen elsewhere. This approach promoted a mindset of acceptance and respect for all cultures and religions.

As I prepare to start my next chapter at Tulane University, I will take the lessons and experiences from the Student to Student program with me, as they will help me find my voice, and provide a voice for others on my college campus. It’s extremely important to stand up for yourself and others for the greater good, even when it is uncomfortable. I know I will continue to get asked questions about my Jewish identity in college and beyond. The skills I developed in public speaking, leadership, and advocacy will undoubtedly be useful in both my academic and extracurricular interests. More importantly, the program has reinforced my commitment to social justice, the importance of education, and standing up for myself and my community which will motivate me to continue working towards a more inclusive and understanding society.