Booty McBootstress: Booty came to the first FYSH activity, a photo scavenger hunt, and was able to form relationships with the other participants in the activity as well as with the JCSC Fellow. She came to most Hillel and Jewish communal programs from then on and has become an empowered student, taking on active leadership roles within the Jewish communtiy.
Lance Rensellear: Lance came to a general interest meeting for Hamagshimim because of his interest in Israel but also because he was searching for a connection to the Jewish community. With consistent contact from Hamagshimim student leaders and the JCSC Fellow, Lance came to the next several Hamagshimim programs and to general Hillel programs as well and brought his group of friends to events as well.
Mildred Van Bon Bon: Mildred had a hard time adjusting to college life, especially first semester. She even came to one or two Shabbat dinners, met some people and staff but didn't totally connect. Then, Mildred applied for a significant leadership opportunity in Hillel, found a welcoming community, and became engaged and empowered at the same time.
Rick Springfield: Rick's little sister Rowina was a camper at the same camp as the JCSC Fellow. He felt comfortable connecting with the Fellow, and then instantly connected with Jewish life on campus as well. Rick is warm, funny and charismatic, and helps other students become engaged as well.
Mookie and Lenny: Mookie and Lenny were suite mates who had never come to an event before. They called the Hillel office, very nervous about attending Shabbat dinner, not knowing quite what to expect. After a long talk with the JCSC Fellow, they felt more comfortable, but for some reason did not attend dinner that week. The Fellow then called Mookie and Lenny the following week to make sure they came to Shabbat. They did, had a wonderful time, and later contacted the Fellow to say, "thanks for making us feel so comfortable."
Zanzibar Douglass: Zanzibar (AKA 'Z') met the JCSC Fellow and two students while they were tabling for Caravan for Democracy. Z was convinced to attend Caravan, and then began to attend Hillel programs occasionally. He became a more frequent participant as the semester progressed, and made a lot of new friends as a result.
Matilda Murdock: Matilda passed by the Jewish Life Liaison table at State Quad which was raising money for Hadassah's "Check it Out" breast cancer awareness program. She donated money to the table and was obviously moved by the fact that this table was visible and present. "My mom had breast cancer - this is so important that you guys are here," she said.
Kugel Roscoe: Kugel was born in Israel. When he saw that Caravan for Democracy was bringing Ra'anan Gissin to campus to speak, he was thrilled. He attended the event, and received information there about birthright. Realizing he could go, he went on the Winter Birthright trip!
Layla Arangutan: Layla had just returned from living in Israel for the year. She went into the Hillel office looking for a connection to Jewish life. Upon hearing about Shulchan Ivrit, the weekly Hebrew speaking table, Layla was totally psyched. She came nearly every week, and spoke Hebrew and taught those around her as well.
Tim and Tom: Tim and Tom came to the FYSH trip to see Eight Crazy Night's and had a great time. After that event, they came to the Multi Cultural Dinner - Festival of Lights and Shabbat in the same week! Tim and Tom became regulars at Shabbat and other activities because of the feelings of community.
Nina Drebbin: Nina was very involved in her Jewish sorority. She met with the JCSC Fellow to talk about Greek Jewish life and really connected. Last year, she had gone to only a handful of Shabbat dinners, but this year she came to many other events, including a leadership training seminar, and an Israel Advocacy training of high school students. She is now finding out where Greek life and Jewish life can meet.
