Summer vacation

Two summers ago , I had the privilege of returning to the country of my birth . Having been gone from my homeland for so many years , I had been experiencing a longing to return and see the people , places - even to smell the fragrances and enjoy the food to which I had been accustomed as a child . I met many friends whom I had not seen since childhood . I had long missed them and it was interesting to note how we had all changed together , though we had been apart . What was even more

interesting , however , was to compare and feel the differences that occurred because of my departure and the different environs in which we evolved . On the one hand , there I was , having experimented with a different culture and adapted to it by acquiring a new language , a new mode of dress , and new customs . On the other hand , you have my friends who continued to live under the Israeli tradition and kept to that way of life . It was a pleasure also to meet my extended family , including my cousin , whose wedding facilitated the biggest family reunion of my life

Although the visit was primarily to see friends and family , I also had a chance to explore historical sites , such as the Western Wall . It is at this point that the trip became especially poignant because I also had the opportunity to appreciate firsthand the political tensions that exist in the country and specifically in the city of Jerusalem . The talks of dividing the city came home to me , especially since I had not been able to spend much time in my country 's capital in the time of its wholeness . The people themselves tended to be divided about whether or not the division would be desirable . The political and racial tensions seemed to favor it , but sentiments were (and are ) still strongly against it

Last summer I spent most of my time working as an intern for Matrix Settlement Clearance Services , which is an investment company on Wall Street in New York City . I was responsible for consultation on technical and computer-related matters for the company , which made my job almost identical to the fulltime , adult employees working in the same department . I really enjoyed working at the job 10 hours a day , 5 days a week , since I had the chance to learn new techniques and strategies every hour . It was also very interesting and different from the school arena : it exposed me to a new world the particulars of which I was not aware of at the time . The way the business world works is fascinating Wall Street is the center for business , and being in the heart of its activities made me feel as though I were at the center of the world 's progress . I enjoyed going to work daily , although I needed to wake up early , take two busses , and do the same to return home in the evening It allowed me...