My Sulam journey started in 7th grade. Prior to Sulam, school was very difficult, I was failing the majority of my classes and because of that I felt isolated and different from my peers. This really took a toll on my already low self esteem. My parents could not bear to see me suffer this way so they enrolled me in Sulam. 

The transition was difficult, I found myself in separate classes from my friends and felt embarrassed and less than, for needing special education. For many years I tried to hide the fact that I was in Sulam. 

As time went on, I began to see the incredible benefit Sulam was providing me.

I had excellent counseling sessions with Dr. Ravin. During these sessions we discussed both my academic progress as well as general school life. Sometimes, I would just go off on a tangent ranging from my obsession with Apple products to politics. I was never judged and the focus was always brought back to how I could make positive changes to improve every situation. 

My Sulam classes were small, this allowed the teacher to give me the attention I needed to understand and retain the information. I was also given the opportunity to join mainstream classes in Berman with the aid of a Sulam teacher. More than anything, this support contributed to my success.

I was taught many valuable skills including study skills, time management, and social development. Most importantly, I was always given a voice, which made me feel like a stakeholder in my education and also provided a valuable lesson in personal responsibility. 

The theme of tonight's event is IMPACT. I want to thank ALL of the teachers in Sulam for the tremendous, positive impact they have had on me as well as the other students. 

High school is when I really hit my stride. I began to see improvements in my grades and a corresponding rise in my confidence. I was able to attend more and more mainstream classes, culminating in me successfully completing an AP Psychology course this year.

There have been 3 teachers who have been with me every step of that journey and with whom I have forged special relationships with, Rabbi Baldinger, Mrs. Sushner, and Mrs. Broth. 

Rabbi Baldinger’s endless patience was instrumental to my success in Judaic Studies. Not only in class, but even after hours he would help me with assignments via zoom. Additionally, he was someone I could always talk to about my troubles in school or in life in general. Without him, I would have lost my sanity during the covid pandemic. 

Mrs. Sushner always had my best interest in mind. She would often include me in big decisions ranging from my class schedule to birthday desserts. If I had any concerns, she always listened and helped me resolve them. Mrs. Sushner also took time out of her day and even sometimes after school, to help me with large writing assignments such as my college and scholarship applications. She also helped me prepare for a job interview. Without Mrs. Sushner, highschool would not have been as enjoyable.  

The last person is very special to me. Without her I would have failed high school and would not be the person I am today. I was privileged to have Mrs. Broth as a study skills teacher in 9th, 11th, and 12th grade. Unfortunately, I did not have her in 10th grade, which I was not happy about, but I got over it… not really. Truth is, even though I was not in her class that year, she still helped me with my work. Like Rabbi Baldinger and Mrs. Sushner, she made herself available after hours. She always listened to my opinions, whether they were about school, current events, or how Apple is and always will be superior to Samsung. Although at times I tested her patience, she never got angry or criticized, only suggesting how I could do better. For my birthday each year, she gifted me with my favorite cereal. When I received my driver's license, she sent me a toy Lamborghini because she promised she would buy me my first car back in 9th grade. Even though highschool is ending, I know that we will continue to stay in touch. 

Now, this is the moment you have all been waiting for… the end of the speech. Again, thank you for coming out tonight and being a part of the Sulam family.