TALMA: THE BEST SUMMER EVER

I taught for TALMA last summer at an Orthodox school in Kiryat Malachi. I didn't know what to expect of the Israeli but was prepared for the worst, as warned by experienced participants. When entering my classroom, all the students stood up and waited until I asked them to sit down before they would sit. This was not the horror experience that I had mentally prepared for. My summer with TALMA continued to positively surprise me. I did not realize the impact 3 weeks of teaching would have. It was amazing to see the excitement and pride on the children's faces when they were able to communicate in English with me. They especially enjoyed teaching me Hebrew and laughed as I was unable to pronounce the words the were saying. Outside of the classroom, I experienced even more growth with TALMA, both professionally and personally. TALMA offers professional development and we had many seminars with social entrepreneurs, all of whom were inspiring and enlightening. They really showed me that anything is possible, and it all starts with an idea and believing in yourself. The social aspect of TALMA is another part of the program worth acknowledging. The friends I made through TALMA are now some of my best friends. The community weekends are so well planned and fun doesn't quite describe it. The meals (delicious Shabbat dinners), the activities (surfing) and the company is amazing. I cannot wait for TALMA 2018!