A Journey of Reflection & Change Inspired by Israel
When I first planned my trip to Israel, I thought it would be just another adventure. I was excited to see the sights and experience a new culture, but I never expected it to change me so profoundly. One of the highlights of the trip was a hike through the Negev Desert. As I trekked through the barren landscape, I felt a sense of awe and awe-struck silence I hadn’t experienced before. That night, I camped under a blanket of stars in the vast desert, and something shifted inside me.
Lying there, looking up at the infinite sky, I felt so small—and yet, part of something much larger. I realized how vast and beautiful the world is, and how insignificant my daily worries seemed in the grand scheme of things. It was a humbling experience. The peace of the desert made me confront the chaos in my life back home. I had been running on autopilot, consumed by my work, relationships, and stress, but in that moment, I understood how fleeting those things could be. I felt a sense of spiritual clarity I had never known before.
During my time in Israel, I also had the chance to visit a number of innovative environmental projects, particularly in areas that face harsh conditions. I saw how people had used ingenuity and determination to create sustainable living practices in the midst of a challenging environment. Whether it was water desalination or innovative farming techniques, these projects were reshaping the way people lived and used resources. I was inspired by how they turned adversity into opportunity, and I realized that I could do something similar in my own community.
Returning to Chicago, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I started a local sustainability initiative, focusing on bringing environmental practices into urban spaces. It began with simple projects like rooftop gardens, composting programs, and water conservation efforts. But it grew from there. I found a sense of power in knowing that I could create change, no matter how small it seemed. Israel taught me that even in a city as big as Chicago, I could make an impact, and that small actions can collectively lead to something much larger.
Looking back, I see how that trip shaped my life. It wasn’t just about visiting a new place—it was about awakening a part of me I didn’t even know existed. Israel gave me the courage to step up and take action, to be part of a larger movement toward positive change. It gave me clarity, inspiration, and a renewed belief in the power of the individual to create real, lasting impact.