A Thousand Miles

The Great Escape

Omer Ben Ari

More than anything, I wanted for the interview to end. I am sitting in front of a couple of potential employers, and they seem to want me to work for them. But from the first couple of minutes, I can see that I’m not the man that they need for the job. It is a high-tech job, so it has that high-tech “the workplace is more important than anything” mentality. And that’s just doesn’t work for me.

They seem nice, and a friend of mine who works for them set me up with this interview, so I can’t be rude. I got to be slick about this, but I can’t seem to find a way to not get the job. And with each question they seem to like me more and more. It is a curse that I am so likable. Maybe I should just accept the job out of pure uncomfortableness.

And as I’m sitting there. Hoping for a miracle, for a way out of this job that I don’t even have yet, I realize something. And I ask them to convince me to come work for them. They have never been asked such a thing by a potential employee. So they’re stumbling for words, and trying to find an answer. So while they are confused I thank them, say it is not the job for me, and leave with a great big smile.

Stand To Attention

by Coral Iohim

Enlisting in the army was the most meaningful experience I can remember. I was only 18, shy, quiet, and very insecure. I hated new beginningsand feared the unknown. I always wanted to be in control; to know exactly what is going to happen; but in the army nothing is certain. I knew it was going to be hard but I kept telling myself that I need to make the best of it in every possible way.

This experience was mentally and physically difficult; every day we got new orders from our commander. We had to run everywhere, even when we couldn’t do it anymore. We had to get up early and always be on time; if someone was late, their weekly departure home was delayed for a couple of hours. I always tried my best to obey the rules and be on time.

Something that always kept me going was knowing I was never alone. There were a lot of girls with me; we helped each other in every way we could. We knew, that in order to pass the time and enjoy it, we need to relay on each other. Every morning we made sure everyone is awake, and we always encouraged each other. We did everything we could in order to never let anyone feel left out.

I learned how to take care of myself and others, be more independent and social. It helped me face some of my fears and to be more open to unfamiliar new experiences.

Striving For Success

by Madlen Nagar

As a high school student, I was very responsible. I had always done all the required assignments, and my grades were pretty high.

When I was in 11th grade most of my classmates already had their driving License.
You need to take at least 28 lessons, pass two tests taken by external and internal examiner, for me that always seemed so hard. But I’ve decided that this year I’m going to pass the test and finally get my driving license.

11th grade is the most important grade of high school. We had an option to choose which programs we want to extend, I chose two – Hebrew law and Psychology, each one is 5 units. There were lots of tests, the demands were high and I had to work hard in order to succeed – My year was full and stressful.
There were at least two tests a week and I spent most of my free time studying at home.

I had to pay for my driving lessons all by myself, so I’ve started working in Nike as a saleswomen.
As part of what is being expected as an employee in Nike, I had to be at work on time, give a good customer service and do late night shifts.
At first it was quite difficult, during the mornings I was studying and in the afternoon I was going straight to work, I had to stand on the time schedule of both school and work. Eventually, I’ve learned how to manage my time schedule.

In spite of that, I have stood in my mission, I’ve finished 11th grade as last year, without lowering my grades I’ve got my driving license.

And the most important thing is I didn’t give myself up.

Magic Kingdom

By Danielle Barry

I am not afraid of roller coasters. I used to be, but that was before I took my first trip to Disneyland. I will never forget that trip. It changed my life.

It all started when my family and I were on our second day at Disneyland. My family and I were walking by a huge, enormous, gigantic roller coaster called The Thunder Mountain Railroad. It was as tall as the Empire State building. I was hoping that no one would notice it so we wouldn’t have to go on it, but my dad spotted it immediately.

I told my dad that I really didn’t want to go on it, but he said that I would never overcome my fear of roller coasters if I didn’t go on one. I decided that I would try it. Once. When we got on the ride, I was shaking uncontrollably. The ride started moving, slowly at first, and then into a cave that was a black hole with fake bats in it.  The ride went up ,up, up, and then, suddenly, it happened. We went down the hill faster than anything. Zooming, racing, flying. Faster and faster. I smiled. I was actually having fun.

When the ride was over, I wanted to go on it again. I started going on every roller coaster in Disneyland. After all the other roller coasters, I would always go on The Thunder Mountain Railroad because that ride will always be my favorite. I have learned that I shouldn’t decide that I don’t like something before I have tried it. Now, I will go on any roller coaster anyone asks me to. I have overcome my fear of roller coasters.