Israel At Heart

DVORA YEVARKUN: SAMY OFER SCHOL OF COMUNICATIONS
PLACE OF WORK: “Zebra”-TV channel for children called HOPE
WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: During my studies at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications, my specialty was the Internet. Studies at IDC are unique because of the combination of theoretical and practical material, and the openness and accessibility for students to talk with staff – something I felt tangibly throughout my degree. My classes were also challenging for me, not only in terms of the quantity of tests or papers, but also in terms of the social side. My first year was not simple, because I had to deal with a completely new framework and with a population type that was very different from what I knew. In order to settle into this new environment and find my place as an individual within it, I was taken along a journey that undoubtedly strengthened me and taught me a lot about my abilities and myself. I feel that as a student of the Israel at Heart program, my studies had a lot of added benefit and value and I was given many more chances to grow as a person through the guidance and role modeling that I received. I felt that I was part of a family who cares and wants me to do well, in a program that pushed me to think ahead, not only for myself as an individual but as a member of my community and society. I felt I was someone who can influence policy and encourage change by providing a personal example, in which people see that I not only took the opportunities that were offered to me but also contributed and gave back.
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: My long-term vision is to succeed and advance in the area of telecommunications - working within a respectable job with enough wages that my family and I can live comfortably. I also hope to further my academic education by expanding on my current degree. Socially, I want to see myself more involved in my community: influencing its youth and contributing to the growth of its people as Israeli citizens.

DANIELE DESTA: LAUDER SCHOL OF GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY & STRATEGY
PLACE OF WORK: Shlicha of “Hillel” in University of California San Diego (UCSD) WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: I feel in many ways that my studies at IDC Herzliya allowed me to realize my own potential and to expand my knowledge on many different issues and levels. The never-ending opportunities for social involvement also helped to contribute towards this development and to mold me into a person with a wider personal and professional view of the world. During my studies, I always felt comfortable in approaching the teaching staff and/or academic and administrative staff to find answers to any and every question or problem that arose. The very personal support that I was offered managed to increase my sense of security and faith that I can conquer anything I set my mind to – no goal is out of my reach.
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: My vision is to be a successful businessperson. Essentially, I want to be in a position where I can be involved in and make a real contribution to society and social improvement in order to develop my own Ethiopian community into an integrated Israeli one.

DANIEL NEGA: RADZYNER SCHOL OF LAW AND THE LAUDER
SCHOL OF GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY & STRATEGY
PLACE OF WORK: An intern in Cohen- Perel Latar Tzede law firm in the commercial department
WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: The IDC contributed to my learning and general knowledge, while integrating various subjects of interest in order to provide me with a broad view of the world and the aspects that influence it. Through the Israel at Heart program, I was able to learn about true leadership, what it means to be fully integrated into Israeli society, the benefits of networking and the importance of striving for excellence. There is no doubt that the success of this program and of us as graduates is due to the wonderful support of the program’s executive board, headed Joey Low. These include Batia, Esther and Jonathan; as well as the many, many others through whom we were able to learn and grow as people and students.
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: Right now, I am at a crossroads. A few years ago I had a very specific and clear goal, but today there are many options, each of which has to be taken into account and thought through - but one thing I know for certain is that whatever I do, I will put in all my passion and energy to be successful.

TAMAR PIKADO: SAMY OFER SCHOL OF COMUNICATIONS
PLACE OF WORK: Marketing coordinator at HP
WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: My studies at IDC were the fulfillment of an academic dream. The support I received was amazing: slowly at first, the program leaders held my hand as I stepped into the confusing world of IDC academia. Because of this support, I was able to meet all of the challenges that found in my path and was able to grow and integrate very quickly. It did not take long before I found myself to be an independent and well-integrated leader, always supported by someone standing in the background with a sympathetic ear and a plan to help me. School gave me the professional tools that I needed and will be able to use in the future - including the strengthening of my social skills in the world(s) of communication and media. I was also able to network and gain exposure to people from different cultures, both within Israel and from around the world.
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: Now my big dream is to find a way to contribute to society through my success in the world of advertising and marketing. In a few years, I see myself as a senior marketing director of a leading company in Israel, along with a happy family waiting for me at home.

SARA AVRAHAM: SAMY OFER SCHOL OF COMUNICATIONS
PLACE OF WORK: Advertising executive in a leading advertising company called GITAM
WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: To describe how the program helped me personally I cannot help but note that throughout my time at IDC, there was always a listening ear and someone to consult with in times of need. Educationally, I learned that all I need is for my laptop to be accessible at any time and the learning process would follow gradually and seamlessly. On another level, IDC gave me friends and a very varied social network of people. 
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: Now I am living in a sort-of dream – I still cannot believe that things fell so perfectly in place for me to have been able to attain my degree in one of the best institutions and to be exposed to people who are considered successes in their respective fields. In the end, I see myself getting as far as possible in the field of advertising and marketing in a way that is able to truly satisfy the needs of the customers and consumers.

YANIV JAMBAR: THE LAUDER SCHOL OF GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY & STRATEGY THROUGH THE RAPHAEL RECANATI INTERNATIONAL SCHOL
PLACE OF WORK: Fulbright Fellow for MA degree
WHAT IDC DID FOR ME: My experience as a student of the international school primarily ensured that I was exposed to a wide range of people who came from over 60 different countries around the world. I was exposed to new cultures and the different views. I improved my English skills, acquired friends and made contacts that will continue with me far into the next stage of my life and beyond. I was also honored to be a fellow in the prestigious Argov program, which gave me skills to develop my leadership skills and diplomatic abilities. Through this, I was also given the world by being taken to London, New York and Geneva – another personal and professional experience not easily attained elsewhere. The combination of all the experiences that I was given through the college, as well as through the very special Israel at Heart program, only enhanced my school experience to levels that I could never have dreamed of. I know that I stand as some sort of role model to other young people, like me, who aspire to excellence and want to advance to senior levels in the academic and professional worlds. I was also exposed to other people from around the world who share my same passion for excellence and drive to advance. As my familiarity with them strengthened, so did my dedication to my roots and to Israeli society as a whole; I realized that it is our duty to create a better place for all of us, here and abroad.
MY PROFESSIONAL DREAM: Two areas of interest for me are being an influential person in the fields of diplomacy and social policy designs. IDC gave me the opportunity to take a quantum leap in my life and to land in the heart of today’s world where doors really are open for me.