Reflections on My Time at Hebrew University
By Bella Zhang, Toronto
Growing up reading the Biblical stories, to me Israel was the mysterious land of miracles. At a very young age, I made up my mind to visit Israel and walk in the Holy Land when I grow up. My friends and family in China thought that was a dangerous idea and warned me of the ongoing conflicts and wars in Israel.
In 2013, I moved from home (Shanghai) to Toronto for university. Soon after I started school at University of Toronto, I learned there was a summer exchange opportunity to Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Without any hesitation, I included it in the list of things that I must do before graduation. In 2016, my dream came true! I successfully got admitted into the InnovNation Summer Program at the Rothberg International School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I was also awarded the Asper National scholarship from Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University. Studying in my dream land on a full scholarship? It truly felt like a miracle and a gift from above. I am forever grateful to all the people who have made this experience possible.
During the InnovNation program, we visited successful start-ups, high-tech firms, multinational R&D centers, business accelerators and research institutes. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from and network with many successful entrepreneurs, professionals and researchers. Almost everyone mentioned the concept “we are one”, and stressed the importance of collaboration and system thinking in the ecosystem. As an industrial/system engineer, what I saw in the Israeli start-up ecosystem was deeply enlightening. Often times we assume that the best way to achieve success, as individuals or organizations, is to gain savings or benefits for ourselves. In the Israeli model, the momentum to collaborate and serve each other is inspiring. I adopted the mindset “we are one” and try to apply it to my life every day — be kind, serve others, and (over)deliver value. It is not an exaggeration to say that my time at Hebrew University was lifechanging.
Besides the academic work, I also got a chance to travel all over Israel and live with a Jewish family in Shilo for a weekend. The natural wonders, tasty food, and fascinating culture is unforgettable. After I returned to Toronto, I often go to Harbord Bakery for Challah bread or bake it at home when I have time. I truly miss the time that I spent in Israel, and all the memories are still fresh in my mind. If there is another chance in the future, I would love to see Israel again.
- Bella is a Master of Applied Science candidate in Industrial Engineering at University of Toronto, specialized in human factors and knowledge media design. She is also a product manager at Centivizer, a technology company that seeks to improve the future of healthy aging.