To me, “paying it forward” isn’t just about money or big gestures—it’s about the small, everyday moments where we choose to help, even when no one is watching. I grew up seeing this firsthand. My grandparents always carried “tzedaka(charity) bags” with them, filled with essentials like water, snacks, and a little bit of money, just in case they passed someone in need on the street or in the car. They never hesitated; they simply gave. My parents continued that same mindset, keeping an open home where anyone who needed a warm meal, a place to stay, or just some company was always welcome. Helping others wasn’t something extra—it was just part of life. I’ve learned that giving back doesn’t have to be huge to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a smile, a kind word, or checking in on someone who might be struggling. I know how much those small moments matter because I’ve been on the receiving end of them. There were times when a stranger’s kindness, a friend’s unexpected support, or even just someone acknowledging me on a tough day made all the difference. Those moments stay with you, and in my own way, I try to give back wherever I can. In Judaism, there’s a beautiful concept that says, “If you know Alef, teach Alef.” It means that even if you only know the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, you can still teach it to someone who doesn’t. In other words, whatever knowledge, kindness, or resources you have—no matter how small—can be shared with someone else who needs it. You don’t have to be the most experienced or the wealthiest to make a difference. Everyone has something to give. This idea has shaped the way I try to contribute to my community. I volunteer with Chai Lifeline, visiting children who are sick, whether in the hospital or at home. Sometimes, I help out around their house, and other times, I do art projects with them, bringing a little bit of joy into their day. Volunteering has shown me that paying it forward isn’t always about fixing someone’s situation. Sometimes, it’s just about being present, offering a moment of relief, or reminding someone that they’re not alone. Whether it’s a child in the hospital, a friend going through a tough time, or a stranger who just needs a little kindness, the act of giving—no matter how small—can have a lasting impact. And that, to me, is what paying it forward is all about: recognizing what we’ve been given and making sure we pass it along, so kindness continues to grow beyond us.

Pursuing Dreams Through Film: My Journey and Aspirations When I close my eyes, I see stories unfolding. I hear music and imagine characters and narratives taking shape. Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish household, my fascination with storytelling initially felt like an unusual path for me. However, from the moment I was old enough to follow my mother around the house, telling stories and dancing in the living room, I knew I wanted to create and share these stories with the world. In 2021, while studying in northern Israel, I witnessed a devastating crowd crush during Lag BaOmer, a joyous Jewish holiday celebrated in Meron. The tragedy, which claimed 45 lives, was a horrible reminder of life’s fragility. As my friends and I struggled to process the event, we turned to music and storytelling to navigate our emotions. This experience solidified my desire to pursue my passion for film and use it as a way to share impactful and meaningful stories. I realized that films, as a unique language, could convey emotions and narratives that words sometimes cannot. Upon returning to the United States after my gap year in Israel, I channeled my passion into tangible projects. I started a dance studio named after my grandmother, Penny A”h, to honor her memory and provide a space for young dancers to explore their creativity. This journey has been a rewarding way to contribute to my community and inspire the next generation of young Jewish girls. Since then, I have moved the studio to Brooklyn, where I continue to nurture and expand it. My journey thus far has been shaped by passion, pain, and hope. Looking ahead, I am excited to draw on my past experiences and values as an Orthodox Jewish woman to guide me as I pursue a degree in film at Pace University. My goal is to master the craft of filmmaking and focus on creating stories that reflect both the human and Jewish experience. Inspired by pioneering Jewish filmmakers such as Barbra Streisand, whose significant contributions to the industry have set a high standard, I am determined to follow in their footsteps. In summary, I aspire to use film not only to preserve Jewish stories of courage and faith but also to encourage change and foster empathy in our world. I am eager to dedicate myself fully to my studies and creative projects. Through this dedication, I hope to not only contribute to the field, but also encourage others to pursue their own creative dreams.