By nature, I am not a quiet person. My rabbi, Stanley Davids, said it best at my Bar Mitzvah, "Many words can be used to describe Evan, but shy is not one of them." This, of course, was met with great laughter and a large smile broke across my face on that day 14+ years ago.
Yet, in Israel, I am quiet. I used to be the person in class who was the first to raise his hand, to actively participate in a discussion or to break the ice by asking the first question. I am no longer. Due to the language barrier, I sit quietly as the lecture progresses and concepts are discussed. I understand so much more of what goes on in class, but I am still hampered by not knowing exactly the topic or failing to fully grasp the point. Thus, my true nature, my essence, remains hidden. My contribution to the class is muted due to my lack of communication.
However, the situation has drastically improved over the last year. Now, at least, I can sit in class and somewhat understand. The Hebrew language and culture is slowly merging in my mind and I return to my more outward and outgoing personality. The responsibility to thrive and develop is mine and I'm getting there. One day, this year, I pledge to write a blog entry בעברית, in Hebrew. I will learn the language so I will not remain quiet, but instead will be heard.
