This time of year means great celebration at Hillel as we say goodbye to the graduating Class of 2017!
As the students say goodbye, we are grateful for all they have done in contributing to this community, we celebrate the strength they bring with them to their new communities and look forward to seeing them again as alumni. Hannah Tudzin, outgoing student President, has spent her four years engaging with Hillel, both being empowered by and empowering many of our programs.

ONE STUDENT'S JOURNEY WITH HILLEL AT UCLA
by Hannah Tudzin

This past year, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the Hillel student board president. Hillel at UCLA places a strong emphasis on students' Jewish journeys and leadership development. I know I would not be the Jewish leader and young woman today if it were not for the programs and staff support that I have had the opportunity to benefit and learn from these past four years at Hillel. As I prepare for my upcoming graduation this weekend, I reflect upon some of the countless experiences I've shared with my peers while at Hillel at UCLA that have truly made me who I am today. (This list is longer than even I expected!)

4 years of Welcome Weeks (including BBQs, holiday celebrations, activities fairs), Meals in the Sukkah, Bearing Witness (2016, 2017), Challah for Hunger challah bakes, Volunteering with ImpactLA, 4 AIPAC Policy Conferences, Birthright summer 2015, Shabbat Friday night services and dinner, Shabbat Saturday lunch, Passover meals, On One Foot, Giving Taco Tuesday Phone-a-thon, Senior Sendoff, Freshman Year Students at Hillel  (FYSH) Ice Blocking, FYSH planning committee, FYSH Hike to the Hollywood sign, Hillel International Engagement Institute in St. Louis, 3 Years of Leadership Development sessions, Mr. Hillel (2016, 2017), Joe Bruin's Bear Mitzvah 2014, Hillel goes to Spring Sing (2015, 2016, 2017), Tabling at Freshmen Orientations over the summer to welcome new Jewish Bruins (summer 2014, 2015, 2016), Jewish Learning Fellowship: Life's Big Questions, Party with Jews (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Israel Independence Week (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017): including BBQs, discussions, learning from various speakers, and big festivals on campus, Purim celebrations, Yom Hashoah ceremonies, Events chair on Hillel Student Board, Internal Relations Chair on Hillel Student Board, President on Hillel Student Board, Student member of board of directors, ShabbAW, Interfaith Shabbats, All Hillel Photoshoot, Hanging with Hillel at Janss steps, #JewishBrewinLyfe Coffee at Kerckhoff, Student Leadership Retreats (2014, 2015, 2016), Wine and unwind learning with Rabbi Kaplan, Hillel Coffee House, Hanukkah parties (including candle lighting on the Hill and on campus), UCLA v USC Hillel tailgate, Hoops and Havdallah (Havdallah and UCLA basketball game), ReJEWvenate (yoga), Ultimate Hump Day celebration (celebrating the middle of the school year and promoting birthright), Lag B'Omar bonfire at the beach, Hillel Morales at Dance Marathon, Donor dinners
Cup of (Jo)seph: Coffee and Conversation for the Soul

In last week’s Parsha B’haalot’cha, the Israelites are having a hard time with their change from slavery to their lives as free people. Mine is not such a transition as theirs, but I also have never been good with change, which might sound a bit concerning as I approach this next big transition in my life from my undergraduate career to the real world. However, as I approach my own change, I am extremely fortunate to be able to carry with me the lessons, values, growth, and support of friends and mentors I’ve gained from Hillel in order to guide me on this next journey. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of the support you have given in order to create a lasting impact on me and other students here at Hillel. With your continued support, the next generations of Jewish Bruins will be afforded these same life changing, irreplaceable  opportunities.

Hannah Tudzin, Hillel Student Board President 2016-2017