Undergraduate / "Breaking Away, Being Out On My Own" - UF Essay [6]

I wrote this with an aching bee-stung finger and a bad cold, so I know this is not the best. I think I can improve in some spots, so constructive criticism is appreciated. (:

PROMPT: In the space provided, please write a concise narrative in which you describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community. You may want to reflect on your ideas about student responsibility, academic integrity, campus citizenship or a call to service.

ESSAY: On a dreary, rainy Friday in July, I stood on my front porch watching the rain fall from the open sky in sheets, waiting for my friend to take me to what I thought was going to be an uncomfortable and unenjoyable event, boy was I wrong.

Flashback two months earlier to late May, my friend asked me if I would like to attend an event at her Synagogue hosted by JAFTY, (Jacksonville Area Federation of Temple Youth), and maybe even think about joining this Jewish youth group. While I did not attend this particular Synagogue, I was Jewish and did not know many Jewish teens my age, so I agreed with enthusiasm.

As the date came closer and closer, I kept second guessing my choice to attend, worrying that these teens would not take kindly to me, since we were from two different denominations in the Jewish religion, and because I was an "outsider" and did not know them. In the end, I chose to accompany my friend, knowing that this was only one event and that I was not obligated to anything.

We pulled up the Synagogue, and the butterflies were going rampant in my stomach. With each step I took, my feet felt heavier and heavier and I developed a cold sweat, but I somehow managed to open the large, ornate, wooden door and step inside.

I expected there to be a crowd of people standing there, waiting to evaluate me and my every move, but there was no one. The silence that greeted me was a relief, while at the same time overbearing. My friend led me to the sanctuary, where she had to prepare for services that would be happening a little while later. She had me sit in the front row while she studied her Torah portion, and I looked around in awe at my unfamiliar surroundings.

As I sat in my seat, the quietude surrounded me, until one by one the members of JAFTY proceeded into the sanctuary. Much to my surprise, all of them came over to me, introduced themselves, and asked me about myself, my synagogue, school, and more. They all seemed excited that I was there, and made sure I did not feel out of place.

After services commenced, the real fun began, as the youth group had many events planned. The hesitation I had earlier disappeared as we all worked together to complete tasks. When the events finally came to a close, everyone told me that they wanted me to come to more events in the future, including community service projects, and I happily agreed.

Going to this event made me realize the importance of belonging to a group, especially when you can help the community in doing so. I feel that this experience will help me in my college experience by allowing me to take the first step in doing things I may have been reluctant in doing before, especially in supporting UF and the Gator Nation.