Support
Through the support of the St. Lawrence University Internship Fellowship Award, I spent four weeks in Tel Aviv, Israel, participating in the Flavors of Israel Culinary Program through Onward Israel. Living just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea gave me the opportunity to experience what everyday life in Israel is really like. From taking the bus across the city and shopping in local markets to ending each day with sunsets on the beach, I quickly became immersed in a place that was completely new to me. Along the way, I built friendships with people from around the world, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.
The kitchen became my favorite classroom where I can learn about people, culture, and history as much as food. Throughout the program, I prepared a wide variety of dishes, including challah, matzah ball soup, Moroccan fish, falafel, shawarma, Israeli street food, tiramisu, and recipes influenced by Italian, African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Eastern European traditions. I learned how food can preserve family traditions, bring communities together, and reflect the history of a culture. By the end of the program, I had not only developed new culinary skills but also a much deeper appreciation for the role food plays in connecting people.
Outside of the kitchen, I immersed myself in Israeli culture as much as possible. I practiced Hebrew, explored neighborhoods throughout Tel Aviv, visited historical and religious sites, and spoke with local Israelis about their daily lives and experiences. Visiting Jerusalem was especially meaningful because it strengthened my connection to my Jewish heritage and gave me a greater appreciation for the city's history and significance. Living in the region also gave me a firsthand perspective on current events and everyday life in a way that no classroom or news article could. Even unexpected moments, such as taking shelter during a rocket alert, reminded me of the resilience of the people around me and gave me a new understanding of life.
This experience connected deeply with my academic interests in psychology and neuroscience. I became interested in exploring the relationship between food, the brain, and mental health, and how shared meals can create emotional connections, strengthen relationships, and contribute to overall well-being. As someone interested in pursuing psychology, I saw firsthand how cultural traditions, sensory experiences, and human connection influence emotions and behavior.
This program challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident while living abroad. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my communication skills, and taught me how to navigate unfamiliar situations with curiosity and an open mind. I returned home with new friendships, practical culinary skills, a stronger connection to my heritage, and a broader global perspective. Most importantly, I came away with a greater appreciation for how culture, food, and human connection shape the way we understand ourselves and others.