Hillel Ontario

Written by Alana Spira,

Dear First Year Me,
Congratulations! You made it out of high school – Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you make the most of the next four years.

DO go outside of your comfort zone!
I know it’s cliché, but the most incredible experiences happen in the places you least expect.

DON’T eat only pop-tarts and Mac and Cheese.
I know it’s tempting, but this gets old fast. Throw an apple in there once in a while.

DO travel
Whether its at the Castle, an exchange, or a summer road trip, travel is a great way to change your perspective and learn about the world. Queen’s has some great experiences to broaden your horizons.

DON’T sleep through your Monday morning classes
Even though you hate that 8:30am calculus class, you will be glad you went at the end of the semester when you don’t have to scramble to learn 12 weeks of material in 12 hours.

DO make the most of all the amazing resources on campus
Whether it is the Peer Learning Assistants, who will help you create a study schedule, or the amazing Hillel Director who will help you find your Jewish home on campus. It can be tough being a first year student away from home for the first time. These resources are invaluable to helping you settle into this crazy little City of Kingston and making it your home.

DON’T Overplan 
It is great to have a goal and know where you want to go, but it is equally incredible to find things you are passionate about and see where those leads you. Sometimes the place you end up is a place you least expected, and is better than anything you could have imagined.

DO Get involved in clubs, like Hillel
It is an amazing way to meet some of your best friends and develop strong leadership skills. Hillel was my home away from home, a place where I started as a volunteer and became President. I was inspired by those who came before me, and mentored by those who came after me. I had the resources and support to plan events and create a community on campus. It is through this community that I met some of my best friends – people who share strong Jewish values and a love of meatballs and kugel.

DO Remember to stop and enjoy the experience
You are only in university once. It is easy to get stressed with all the assignments and deadlines, but take a moment to stop and connect with the people around you and the crazy things you only get to do at Queen’s – like walking around all day during Hoco or dancing all night at Bar Mitzvah Bash – it’s amazing how fast four years goes by.

Dear First Year Me, I am so excited for all Queen’s has in store for you. You are going to love it!
Love, Alana, The Bubbie of Hillel

Written by Sydney Wilson, Media Intern

This past month has been one of much excitement here at Queen’s Hillel. We started off with a new and improved (and incredibly successful) version of our annual Bat/Bar Mitzvah Bash, celebrating our lovely presidents, Charlotte and Remi. With drinks, dancing, and tons of excitement, the night went off perfectly and we’re already gearing up to do it again next year! Besides Bar Mitzvah Bash, we’ve also been active with weekly lunchtime learning sessions and, most recently, an Israeli food cooking night. Students worked in teams to make a delicious dinner of shakshuka, Israeli salad, grilled eggplant, and some other awesome treats.

As a graduating student, spending my final month as a member of Queen’s Hillel has been bittersweet. Four years ago, I came to this school knowing only a few people my own age. Although apprehensive about going to that first Hillel Shabbat, I can still remember how quickly I was accepted into the Queen’s Jewish community and the pride I took in aligning myself with such an inclusive environment. From Frosh Rep to Social Media Intern, I’ve explored many aspects of what Queen’s Hillel has to offer.

I’ve worked alongside two Hillel directors, I’ve seen executive structures shift and evolve, I’ve made friends from every graduating class, and I’ve had my hand in important events from Shabbat dinner to Bar Mitzvah Bash. Throughout the past four years, Queen’s Hillel has truly been a source of stability, fun, education, and friendship for me and I wouldn’t trade those for anything.

Thank you to all of the people who have worked tirelessly to make Hillel our Jewish home on campus. I think I speak for many graduating students when I say we’re going to miss you!