Four
years in Montreal, rolling around in contemporary dance class by day and
advocating on behalf of the State of Israel by night introduced me to some of
the most passionate and driven people I know. Hillel Montreal, the Canadian
Federation of Jewish Students and the Concordia Student Union taught me skills
that just can’t come from a classroom or a book.
As
my fourth year of university was coming to a close, a wise man suggested
checking out a graduate program at Humber College in fundraising and volunteer management.
Understanding that I couldn’t support the lifestyle I wanted as a dancer, I
realized Concordia had opened a most amazing door that allowed me to take on
leadership roles in the Jewish community and find my true calling in outreach,
engagement, events and development. A career in fundraising and development –
here I come!
Fast
forward a year and I interviewed for the position of director of Initiatives
for the Emerging Generation at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. It would be my
first job in the field, a brand new position at the Federation and I’d be
working with very fervent Jews between the ages of 20 and 40. I had no idea
what I was in for.
Now,
three years have flown by and working in Ottawa with young professionals has
been an experience of a lifetime. It is bittersweet to pass the torch but the
next director will be able to take our brand to a whole new level, with amazing
leaders to help him or her along the way.
What
stands out the most for me is that I witnessed a community of young Jewish professionals
coalesce. Now, whether for an event, conference, trip to Israel or micro-grant,
young Jewish adults in Ottawa will always have a place to volunteer and meet
like-minded folk (and maybe even meet the one).
Ottawa
is one of those hidden secrets that unless you live and breathe the quaint and
vibrant culture, you will never really understand why people love it so much.
From the tightness of the community to the foodie and entertainment industry, there
is never a dull moment. There is also something very special about the people.
Many of us are family-less, but you would never feel it. Whether for Shabbat
diners or lunch dates, drinks, or late-nights at Zac’s, there is always an
invite, somewhere to go or someone to see.
Now
on to my next chapter – which I can’t believe will finally be back in my home
town. My mother is over-the-moon excited! On August 1 I’ll start work as
director of operations and development at The House, an incredible organization
in Toronto for Jewish young adults.
To
my friends, colleagues, and everyone I met along the way, thank you for making
Ottawa an unforgettable journey. From the bottom of my heart, thank you again
to my teachers, mentors, co-workers and community members. The connections made at this stage of our
lives are those that will last a lifetime.
To
my friends, who will remain good friends always (and you know who you are),
thank you for being you.
The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin reprinted with permission
