New Beginnings
To start our journey it only makes sense that we introduce to you who we are and why this experience is so meaningful to us. So I guess I’ll start! My name is Lindsay Schragen - I am 24 years old and just graduated from the Masters of Architecture program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. After being in design school for 7 years straight, I decided it was time for a much-needed break. The question being - what do I do, where do I want to go during this time before I launch my career [hopefully] in the Fall? Tel Aviv. That’s where I want to be. That’s where i need to go. I have had this driving urge to come back, ever since I went on Birthright in January of 2013.
My Birthright experience was surprising - for me, anyway. When I signed up to go on the young professionals program with Israel Experience, I can honestly tell you that I had absolutely no expectations for what the next 10 days would bring. I mainly went because everyone in my family was urging me to go, but I never could’ve expected what those 10 days could do to impact and change me the way they did. I don’t want to get into the whole thing on here, but if you want to read more about my Birthright experience, check out Israel Experience’s blog post: here. Most imortantly, I became very close with the Israeli soldiers on my trip, allowing me to explore the country through their eyes, which was such a treat. They are incredible people, and now, returning in just over a week, I am so excited to reconnect with them.
Right now I am feeling very overwhelmed. As I typed that last sentence - returning in just over a week - it is starting to really hit me. I am moving to Tel Aviv for 2 months. Strangely, I am feeling a bit similarly to how I did when I first arrived at Ben Gurion last winter: no expectations. However, I know that really means nothing - if my first experience could prove to be as magical as it was, this one will be nothing short of incredible.
I am so excited to share my experiences on this journey with you. Stay updated through our Instagram account as well: @lindsayyblair.xx
Lindsay
