As I sat down with only a couple days left of high school, a few more hours in the place I’ve called home for the last six years, I had some trouble trying to make sense of the fact that my time at CESJDS was coming to an end. In thinking back on my time here, the one thing that I can say for sure is that I have had a truly transformative high school experience.

In the past few years, I have taken chances with courses and opportunities, yet there are still some choices that I made in high school that I regret. But in assessing my high school experience as a whole, I thought back to freshman year. I remembered not knowing what high school would bring and wishing so deeply for some advice. So now as I prepare to leave this amazing place, I want to give you all some advice, for how to make the most of your high school experience.

1. Take a class with Ms. Bergstein

One of the most special things about the JDS curriculum is the diverse array of Jewish studies options in the older grades. My favorite Jewish history classes, American Jewish History through Film and Literature and Contemporary American Jewish Society, have all been taught by Jewish history teacher Rachel Bergstein. Though her courses are challenging, her energy in teaching and depth of knowledge are unmatched, and her classes perfectly weave Jewish history into the context of the present. Instead of taking the easy ‘A’ in some other Judaics offerings, take advantage of one of the best teachers and challenge yourself to improve your writing and thinking with Ms. Bergstein.

2. Take the Arab-Israeli Conflict course

I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but this is a must- take class, and frankly, it should be required by the school. This class offers such vital information about the conflict that is so important to understanding Jewish and Israeli history, in addition to current politics both here in the U.S. and in Israel. Additionally, it is the one class that will start to prepare you for the anti-Israel dialogue that is present on virtually every college campus. Last, don’t be scared of the final project. There’s no one better suited to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict than you yourself.

3. Take an Arts Class

One of my biggest regrets is that I never took an arts class in high school. At JDS, there is so much pressure to take the most rigorous schedule, but as I look back, I wish I had taken one fewer academic class in exchange for an arts class. From talking to friends, viewing the artwork that hangs all around the school and attending the various concerts, I know what great opportunities await in the arts department and I think that every student, no matter their artistic abilities should partake. Art in whatever form can and should be a much-needed break from the rigors of a JDS high school education.

4. Join a Sports Team

Sports have been a constant for me at JDS. From my time in seventh grade on the middle school “rotation squad” up to the past few years of varsity sports, I have loved every minute of being part of the sports program here. I have made and maintained my closest friends on the playing field and the court, and the rivalries have driven my competitive spirit. I get through every grueling school day knowing that every night I will have a chance to put the lion on my chest and play sports for the school that I love.