Jordan Brenner

Staff Writer 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, three graduates from Milken’s Class of 2014 were asked to reflect on their high school experiences and transition into college life. They also showed their gratitude for the foundation that Milken laid out entering college.

Jess Jackoway attends Washington University in St Louis:

Now that you are disconnected from Milken, is there anything about our school that you appreciate that you didn’t when you were a student?

One of the things I appreciated the most about Milken in retrospect, was the sense of a small community that it created. Our graduating grade really was pretty close, and it’s a bit of a culture shock to go to college without that unity.

How was the transition from Milken into your college lifestyle?

As I said earlier, it’s pretty weird losing that immediate sense of unity that I had back home. But otherwise, it’s been a pretty easy transition. I think that Milken did a pretty good job preparing me for school.

How has Milken prepared you to face anti-semitism in college?

This is an odd question for me, considering the fact that I really haven’t faced any anti-Semitism in college. Maybe that’s because the school I go to is almost 30% Jewish.

Which former teacher/class are you most thankful for and why?

Definitely Mr. Ahad’s AP physics courses. Of all the coursework I’ve done in college so far, anything Physics-related has felt like a walk in the park.

What advice would you give your 11th grade self?

The advice I wish I had given to myself is simply to branch out. It was only after my senior year had started that I feel I began to explore things that really interested me. Start early, learn an instrument,  join some random clubs, pick up a random hobby. Not only will these be useful skills in the future, but also they’ll help you meet people (and help you get into college, too).

Ali Deutsch attends the University of Southern California:

Now that you are disconnected from Milken, is there anything that you appreciate that you didn’t when you were a student?

I appreciate the Judaism constantly instilled into many aspects of Milken. This could be hard to appreciate when it is instilled in your mind and daily life, but now that I am in the broader world, it is very easy to forget where you have come from. It is difficult to hold on to many parts of Judaism in a secular world.

How was the transition from Milken into your college life style?
The transition to USC has been great! I’ve made sure to keep in touch with my best friends, and although a lot of Milken kids went to my school, it is good to go outside your comfort zone and meet people from different backgrounds. Academically, the vigorous courses I took at Milken definitely prepared me for college, but it is the value of hard work that I built at Milken that are being carried over.

How has Milken prepared you to face anti-semitism?
I think that the education that Milken provided me with to support Israel and the Jewish tradition has helped me in getting involved with Jewish life on campus. Although I haven’t experienced anti-Semitism, it helps to surround yourself with people who are tolerant and willing to learn about Judaism.

Which former teacher/class are you most thankful for and why?
I am most thankful for the integrated programs that I took because they truly prepared me to think on a higher and more advanced level. These classes forced me to piece together ideas that normally wouldn’t fit well together, which has helped me succeed in many aspects of my life. I miss Ms. Flier and Ms. Sokolow because they taught me to have passion for what I love and enjoy learning, as learning is something that can go on your resume of life. Both of these teachers will stay with me forever!

What advice would you give your past self in entering 11th grade?
I would tell myself to continue to work hard and remember that all the difficult work will pass and will be rewarded. I would tell myself not to stress and enjoy life one day at a time!

Zachary Brenner attends the University of California Santa Cruz:

Now that you are disconnected from Milken, is there anything that you appreciate that you didn’t when you were a student?

I think the thing I didn’t appreciate was how accessible the teachers were. In college, it’s much more difficult to forge relationships with professors and TA’s.

How was the transition from Milken into your college life style?

The transition was pretty smooth. The difference between Milken and college, to me, is that there are many different ways to write in college. At Milken, I pretty much wrote all essays similarly. In college, I have to be able to write depending on what each individual teacher wants.

How has Milken prepared you to face anti-semitism?

I have not faced any anti-Semitism. Milken has prepared me to teach others what Judaism is actually like.

Which former teacher/class are you most thankful for and why?

I am most thankful for Mr. Martin’s 11th grade English class, Ms. Guth’s 10th grade History class, and Mr. Menna’s writing classes because they inspired many of my passions and my love of learning.

What advice would you give your past self in entering 11th grade?

I would say: Stop freaking out. You will get through it. You always have.