Lot's of new developments in my life since my last post. Ulpan ended, sadly, and I finished with an excellent grade: Level Daled ד (the highest level measured by the test) 93. The last couple of months of Ulpan were a bit different from the beginning. A lot of people started to work and focus on the next chapters of their lives. I started to see less of my friends, and we all felt the next transition coming as the end of Ulpan grew closer. I also spent a lot of time outside of Ulpan during my last month because I met a lady, and things have been going excellent with her ever since.
It's difficult for me to reflect back on the my entire time at Ulpan Etzion as a whole. I probable should have written this post as soon as I moved out, but for whatever reason I've abandoned my blog for the last few months. Anyway, as a start to an Aliyah I couldn't imagine a better transition for living in a new country. I had the opportunity to meet people from all of the world, make new friends, and improve my language skills; all of which allowed for a smoother transition for living in Israel. Certainly had some ups and downs, but overall I don't think I would have done anything differently. I made some friends who I feel will always be part of my life, and I also developed a special fondness for Jerusalem. It's such a beautiful and special city, that will always hold a special place in my life, as I lived there for the first six months of my time in Israel.
Two weeks ago I moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. After Ulpan ended I was unsure if and when I wanted to move out of Jerusalem, so I began to apply for jobs in both cities and went to interviews, mostly in Tel Aviv. As things moved slowly in the terms of employment and with school, I realized that the time had come to make the move to Tel Aviv. Traveling back and forth for job interviews and meetings with schools just didn't make sense, and I reached a point (through numerous discussions with my family members) where I knew that I had to make the move to Tel Aviv.
So now I'm in Tel Aviv, or TA as I like to call it, living in my cousin's house until I establish myself financially and rent my own apartment. Things have been difficult at times, and I've been frustrated with all of the employment and education issues that have come about, but I know that in time things will work out. I recently started waiting tables at a restaurant; not ideal for someone with two degrees, but at the same time it gets me out of the house, puts cash money in my pocket, and allows me to practice my Hebrew on a daily basis. I never imagined having to work in a language other than English, and now I do. At times it can be tough, mostly when the other servers speak very fast, and I have trouble understanding. I know that soon I'll zero in on a professional direction and work towards that goal, by going back to school and immersing myself in the appropriate industry. I'm willing to work hard for something that I really want, but the problem is finding that something in the terms of a career. Definitely my biggest challenge thus far in life, but like all other challenges that have come about, I know that I will overcome it and emerge stronger than before.
