Honor Code

Sorry to post again so soon, but I just remembered this right after I posted the last entry. Something that happened today made me really miss being in Mount Holyoke's honor code community. I had gotten out of class early, so I was sitting and waiting for Alison so that we could head to the market, and another friend came and sat with me. While we were chatting, a guy from her class came over and said thank you. She asked why he was thanking her, and he explained that he had "borrowed" a few answers from her test.

WHAT.

After he walked away, I turned to her and said, "I can't believe him. You should report him to your teacher," expecting her to share my frustration and shock.

"Yeah, but...he's my friend's roommate and I don't want to cause trouble for him," came her reply.

"But cheating happens only because we allow it to. Give me his name, I'll report him if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself!" I urged her.

"I don't want him to get kicked out of the program," she told me. She wouldn't give me his name.

I was absolutely shocked and disappointed by her cavalier attitude toward scholastic integrity. Why should any one person unfairly benefit, and why should we as members of the same community allow that? I'm sure all my fellow Mount Holyoke students recall Penny Gill's heartbreaking e-mail regarding the Honor Code last year. For non-MoHos or those who don't recall, I've pasted the text here:

"Dear Students:

"I write to you with a heavy heart. We are in the midst of an epidemic of cheating this year. I have had more cases of academic dishonesty in the last month than in any semester since I became dean. These are not the usual honor code cases, of failing to note a quotation or provide a citation. These are cases of intentional cheating: taking notes into a test, copying another student's exam, using materials that are not allowed on a take-home exam, and sharing answers to problem sets.

"As a community, we have some serious thinking to do. Do we wish to BE an honor code community and college? Are we willing to undertake the hard work of self regulation and mutual support which that requires? Do we believe it is possible for students from around the world, who hardly know each other, to embrace these values, live according to them, and trust each other to do so? Will current students be willing to teach these values and practices to new students? Are we willing to name those who violate these very high standards of ethical behavior and individual responsibility?

"And what if we don't answer yes to these questions? First, faculty will necessarily impose many more restrictions on when and how you do your work. A deep contract of trust and shared responsibility between students and faculty will inevitably erode and disappear. If students tolerate cheating by other students, grading students on a "curve" would effectively change the incentive structure for non-reporters, for example. Our much admired system of self-scheduled exams would probably come under scrutiny. Ultimately, I imagine the value of a degree from Mount Holyoke College would be undermined. The fundamental fabric of our college would be deeply threatened, and we all would lose.

"I am also speaking of this to the faculty, as this directly affects every aspect of their teaching and their relationships with you. I hope that all of us can stop now and think deeply about this, and consider how we can turn this around before it infects every aspect of our life together. We can do so much better at being who we believe we really are.

"With best wishes to each of you,

"Penny Gill
"Dean of the College"

This experience today has truly made me appreciate how much I love being a part of an honor code community. To have a student so blatantly confess to cheating to another student and for that student not to come forward? I think that's simply an abomination. This past year at Mount Holyoke, I witnessed an instance of cheating, and I immediately reported it to the professor. I'm not entirely sure what the fallout was, but I felt it was really important to the integrity of our community to make sure that she was performing fairly. I understand that it's not easy to report such instances, but what's right isn't always easy. As Thomas Paine once said, "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." The work it takes to maintain the integrity of an honor code community is worth the struggle.

In high school, honor codes didn't mean quite so much to me and I felt okay about breaking them, and it led to some serious consequences. As I've begun to grow and mature into a true Mount Holyoke woman (which I hope to become someday), I've come to deeply value the importance of honor and integrity. College was turning over a new leaf for me, a blank slate. I want to be a person of integrity; I don't think it's right to benefit over my peers unfairly, I'd rather earn everything that I receive. How could I appreciate these benefits fully if I felt I did not deserve them? For the last two years, I am so proud to say that every good grade, every election, every audition, every job that I've earned has been because of my own hard work and devotion. I appreciate complying with the honor code not only for the purposes of avoiding such consequences as I had before, but because being a part of an honor code community is such a special, unique thing, and it's part of what makes me love Mount Holyoke so much. Yes, being a member of such a community is hard work, as Dean Gill points out in her e-mail. But isn't it worth it?

I just pulled out the Honor Code card that all first-years receive and sign at the Honor Code Ceremony their first semester at Mount Holyoke, and I discovered that I received mine exactly two years ago today. Even here in Israel, I've carried it around with me in my wallet as I have since the day it was given to me.

I realize that the picture quality is poor, so for those who don't know these words, it reads: "I will honor myself, my fellow students, and Mount Holyoke College by acting responsibly, honestly, and respectfully in both my words and deeds."

Tonight I am so deeply missing my beloved Mount Holyoke community, nearly to the point of tears.

Exploring my fair city :) Shabbat Shalom!

Hello, dear readers! As promised, now a real post :) First of all, THANKS to those who have commented so far with recipe suggestions -- I can't wait to go back to the shuk and do some more shopping! More suggestions are definitely welcome! This has been a fun but busy week! I’ve spent the last six days spending about six hours per day walking to campus, in Hebrew class, and walking back to the student village. But after class, the fun begins! Amidst homework and studying for quizzes and tests (at least one every other day, yikes), I’ve been on a tour of Jerusalem with the madrichim, gone shopping at the shuk with a few friends, cooked some tasty food, watched several episodes of Boy Meets World, had my first Israeli falafel, done laundry...the list goes on!

Let’s backtrack a bit. On Monday afternoon I decided to check out the library. I found little carrel-esque areas that were fantastic for getting my homework done! I also found a book that MHC Chorale folks from fall 2009 will appreciate (sorry for the poor quality):

Yay, Magyars! Then I had a quiet evening by myself, was exactly what I wanted and needed.

Tuesday was a practical Jerusalem tour with the madrichim (during which Alison and I played the celebrity game for five hours). We met at the north gate of the student village around 4:00pm, then got on a charter bus and headed downtown. Along the way they pointed out a grocery store that’s less expensive than the one next to campus, another of Hebrew University’s campuses, and some other useful and interesting sites. We arrived downtown and Ido, the madrich leading our group, led us through a beautiful neighborhood, the shuk (an outdoor market with fresh produce and lots of other goods, much less expensive than local stores!), and around to a few other sites. He also gave us some great insider knowledge about where to get the best hummus, fresh pasta, a few good pubs, some great restaurants, etc. He also told us a great joke: what should we call the Clinton presidency? SEX BETWEEN TWO BUSHES! Bahaha. This was prompted because we passed a park, and Ido told us not to go there at night. We asked why, and he explained that after a certain hour, if you're there, it's assumed that you're gay, and there's lots of sex in the bushes. Good to know. Anyway, here's a few shots from our wanderings:

We also stopped at a windmill from which we had a gorgeous view of the Old City (which I will be visiting next week)! Absolutely beautiful:

ALSO, a pop quiz! How do you know that this windmill is Jewish?

It’s circumcised, of course!

On Wednesday, Alison, Kate, Alex (someone who arrived a few days ago on the second group flight), and I went to the shuk to do some grocery shopping. Kate and I got a pot (finally!), some pasta, rice, a bell pepper, tomatoes, an onion, plums, apples, pesto, and some chicken. We swung by the market on the way home and also picked up some more milk, hummus, and pretzels. That evening I made some pasta with pesto and tomatoes, and Kate, Alison, Esther, and I watched an episode of Boy Meets World and The Princess Bride together.

Yesterday afternoon Alison and I came back from campus and I hung out and worked on homework and studied at her apartment (which has internet...so jealous), then after a second episode of Boy Meets World, Kate and I went to meet Sarah to get our first Israeli falafel. We went to French Hill falafel, a five-minute walk from the student village, where for 10NIS (about $3) you can get a pita with falafel, some vegetables, hummus, and French fries (???). We took a bite – worth every shekel! So cheap, so close to our apartments, and so delicious. We've agreed that this will become a regular part of our diets. OM NOM NOM. Then I returned home and studied for my exam.

Today was less thrilling – Alison and I walked up to the market to get some basics (laundry detergent, chocolate croissants, Nutella, and Diet Coke) and then headed down to the Dominos five minutes from the student village and bought some lunch. We then did some very expensive laundry (19NIS – ~$6!) and watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I returned to the apartment, did my hand washing and some other basic cleaning, and called to deal with the internet company yet again. As I type, I am on hold with them. But I’ve got a movie on in the background and am contemplating dinner :) This evening I’m hoping to get my weekend homework out of the way, catch up with some people on Skype (if the internet company ever answers!!!), and go to bed early.

Since it’s almost Shabbat now (less than an hour away as I write this at 6:30pm), the city will be shut down from then until sundown tomorrow night. But this isn’t a big problem for methis week; what I need is a day of rest! It should be a spectacularly uninteresting day of watching movies, visiting with friends, reading, internet-ing (I hope!), and so on. Only one day of weekend this week – back to class on Sunday!

UPDATE: As I post this a couple of hours later, I have internet in my apartment and my weekend homework is done. Time to relax...ahhhhh!

Cooking -- help!

Greetings, readers! I promise a real post soon, but I'm writing to you now to ask for some help. In my dorm's kitchenette, we are lacking an oven, a toaster oven, or a microwave: we only have a stovetop. So I am writing to you to ask for RECIPES. Anything that can be prepared using only a stovetop (and, at the moment, one pot) is much appreciated. Bonus points if it can be served cold or the leftovers are delicious when cold. Ready...set...GO!

To be or not to be?

About a week before taking off for this lovely country, I remember talking to my parents about my concerns about making friends. “99% of the friends I made at MHC were through an extracurricular,” I explained, “Project: Theatre or Chorale.” After some discussion of other bonding experiences that study abroad would offer, I started pondering what sorts of extracurriculars the Rothberg International School would offer. I decided (and my parents and Ian can attest to this) that I would be okay doing a choral group but I’d try not to get into a leadership role, and I probably shouldn’t do theatre: it would (and does) eat my life.

But then came academic orientation.

The next-to-last slide announced that Beit Hillel was producing, as their annual English musical, Les Miserables...a show that I have always wanted to do. So what do I do?!? I need advice, dear readers. Whether I audition or sign up to work crew, I’d be happiest with a larger role, but that would also mean less time to enjoy living in Israel. The performances are also the weekend that my parents are visiting. At the moment I am audition coach extraordinaire for Alison and Zev, and that’s certainly something I love!

Possibly the best solution: talk to the director and see if there’s something I can do on a drop-in basis; assistant directing, behind-the-scenes work, etc. I’m afraid it would just be hard for me not to feel like an expert as I usually do. (MHC friends know what I mean – I do my best work when I’m in control of my own world, be it stage managing, directing, music, etc.) I look forward to hearing your opinions, and I’ll keep you posted :)

My Israeli dorm room!

Hello again, readers! Apologies for the deluge of posts...I had been meaning to post this and the Tel Hai post for some time, but I hadn't gotten my camera and wireless internet in one place until now. Thanks for sticking it out!

In my apartment, we have two bathrooms, a shower, a common area (which serves as living room and dining room), a kitchenette, and five bedrooms. Mine is the first, and it has two doors:


We're assuming it has something to do with security purposes. I really like the room itself, though! I've started to make it my own with some pictures of my family.

As I mentioned in a previous post, everything I bought for myself here in Israel is green...thus, here is my very green bed!

It’s surprisingly cozy...I've slept very well in it so far. There's also a handy little rolling unit that is serving me as nightstand, underwear drawer, sock drawer, and drawer of important stuff! I also have some very green kitchen stuff (and a Red Sox hat, because, well, of course!).

The room also has some fantastic storage space; we each get a wardrobe (complete with a full-length mirror!) that has a bunch of shelves as well as an area for hanging items.

There's also a bunch of wall-mounted shelving above the desk.

Thanks for sitting through the obligatory room-tour post! On to more interesting things soon, I hope :)

Ulpan begins!

Shalom, readers! So yesterday I began learning Hebrew! During the ulpan, a three-week summer session, we have Hebrew class for four hours per day, five days per week (plus a sixth day this week). I am in level Aleph, the introductory level! On Sunday morning I woke up bright and early (fifteen minutes before my alarm!), got ready, and headed out for the fifteen-minute walk over to campus. Apparently there’s a shuttle as well, but at the moment, I’m quite happy to walk it! We’ll see how I feel after a few weeks :P It IS uphill both ways...!

I found my classroom, and discovered that two of my friends are in my class! Yay, Zev and Sarah. Zev and I met on the plane (you may remember him from a previous post), and Sarah was one of my roommates at the hostel in Tel Hai. Both are entering their freshman year of college – so young! Our morning teacher’s name is Sheron, and she is very sweet – I like her a lot so far.

Learning another alphabet is reminding me of learning Japanese all over again! I know I’ll get the hang of it pretty soon – it’s going well so far, albeit slightly overwhelming. We had two hours of class, then a half hour break during which Zev, Sarah, and I got calzones and iced coffee for lunch (all for 24 shekels, or less than eight dollars). Israeli iced coffee is more akin to a Dunkin Donuts coffee coolattas, but a little richer and less sweet – delicious!

We headed back for forty-five more minutes of class, then had a fifteen-minute break before our final ninety minutes of class, for which we had a different teacher, Michal. She’s also very nice, and I tend to like having two different teachers for a foreign language...generally different teachers appeal to different learning styles, and they have different things to offer.

I’ve got to admit, I won’t be sad to see the end of ulpan. I’m looking forward to the beginning of the semester when I have other classes to look forward to as well!

First weekend in Israel!

Greetings, readers! Sorry for the delay in posts -- I returned quite late on Saturday night from my weekend trip to northern Israel, and yesterday was the first day of ulpan Hebrew classes! Now after day two I’m on campus relaxing and taking advantage of the free wireless (still no internet in the apartment yet). But let’s backtrack a few days...

On Thursday I had a fairly lazy day – I knew that I was going to have to wake up at 5:30am on Friday to leave for the trip to Tel Hai at 6:00am, and so I figured I should have a fairly low-key day leading up to that. I also wanted to have a day of exploring campus outside the tour so that I’d be familiar with it before classes begin.

I slept until about 8:30am, had a lazy morning, and eventually walked down to campus with Kate. We headed to the Academon bookstore and bought our Hebrew textbooks. Then we visited the madrichim office to sign up for a few more trips – we both signed up for the practical Jerusalem tour, a picnic, and a night tour of the Old City, and I also signed up for a trip to Ein-Kerem. Then we grabbed lunch from the cafeteria (reasonable prices, HUGE portions, decent food) and went to the Academon non-bookstore, where I purchased a router so we can get have wireless internet in the apartment. Then we chilled out in the Forum for a while catching up on e-mail and Facebook.

When we got back to student village we stopped by the office of Bezeq, the internet company that serves the dorms so that Kate could sign up and get a modem, but they had closed early! So another couple of internet-less days...I'm looking forward to having internet so I can Skype more comfortably! Then we dropped off our stuff in the apartment and went to the grocery store to get some basics: milk, cereal, pasta, cheese, bread, peanut butter, apple jam, chai tea, hummus, pretzels, and half a watermelon. Then we headed back to the apartment where I chilled out for the early evening. Kate and I attempted to go eat at the falafel place near campus, but they were closed :( So we ate our lunch leftovers for dinner, made a quick stop at the grocery store to buy honey for our chai and used an ATM, and went out and used the internet in the courtyard for a bit. Finally I went to bed nice and early around 9:00pm.

I woke up the next morning at 5:15am to get ready for the trip. Now, a friend of mine who is an alumna of this program told me that I should go on all the trips – “It’s a small country and they take you everywhere,” she said. Well, I am so glad that I listened to her! We took a three-ish hour bus ride on very groovy-looking buses (with a stop for a traditional Israeli breakfast – chocolate milk in a bag and bread!) up to the Golan Heights.

Groovy bus: Chocolate milk in a bag:
Golan Heights!
There we went on what the madrichim had called in the description of the trip a “short, beautiful hike.” We also asked the madrich on our bus, Sima, if the hike was difficult. “I think it’s pretty easy,” she told us. (We later discovered that she spent three years as an officer in the Israeli army. Noted.) Well, the hike was very beautiful, but it was pretty intense! It was about three hours, and here’s a sample of what the trail looked like:

Pretty tricky at points, especially when crossing streams where the rocks got super slick. But it was worth it: we eventually arrived at a waterfall and a swimming hole where we got to spend half an hour playing in the water! It was absolutely beautiful.

Finally we hiked the last half hour up to the buses where we had sandwiches for lunch. Then we climbed back on the buses and rode up to Mount Bental. From there we had a spectacular view; we could see into Lebanon and Syria. Our tour guide also gave us some really interesting history, and Ido, one of the madrichim, told us about his father’s time in the Israeli army and pointed out the place where he had fought an important battle in the War of 1973.

There were also some statues made by a local artist, and I found this one particularly amusing -- my family especially will understand why!

Finally we continued on to the Tel Hai youth hostel where we spent the night, and I took a looooong nap. I woke up for dinner, then we went to a “madrichim special event” – we divided into teams and competed in events such as creating the longest possible chain of clothing, dressing one guy on the team in drag in our team colour, etc. It was pretty fun, but I was glad to see the end of it and head to bed. Here's a shot of the sunset in Tel Hai:

In the morning I woke up for the tail end of breakfast, then got dressed and ready to go to the Open Photography Museum in Tel Hai, a very short walk from our hostel. We received a tour of their current exhibition (several collections from Micha Bar-Am), spent some time in a darkroom, and watched a film on Stef Wertheimer, who has created several industrial parks in the Middle East, including the one the museum is a part of. Interesting stuff!

After lunch we walked to the Joseph Trumpeldor monument, the Roaring Lion. Our tour guide gave us some background on Trumpeldor’s life and why he was important to Israel. I also got a chance to chat with a few Israelis with us (one of the madrichim and a couple of our guards) about their thoughts on him and his legacy.

Then most people walked an additional 30 minutes uphill to go to a swimming pool, but I opted to return to the hostel and read for a while. After dinner, we had Havdallah (a ceremony celebrating the end of Shabbat and blessing the week ahead) and got back on the buses. We returned to the student village at 11:35pm and I fell straight into bed!

Coming soon: first day of classes :)

UPDATE: click here for some pictures the madrichim took over the weekend!