For our students, the loss of their end-of-year plans and graduation festivities is indeed a very real loss – and we should recognize it as one. I’m reminded of a powerful anecdote in Martin Buber’s Tales of the Hasidim.

It’s that time of the year again: moving into new dorms and apartments, catching up with friends after a great summer, buying (way too expensive) textbooks, and double-checking schedules to make sure you get to the right class.

You probably knew back then that I wasn’t close to being ready to fully accept Judaism, but by taking the time to talk to me, you acknowledged the idea that one day I could be.

We must create conversations and ask hard questions, fostering a culture of brave outspokenness. This year, I have been on a journey to tackle issues of gender-based violence in my own Jewish community.

It’s that time of the year again: moving into new dorms and apartments, buying pens and notebooks, and double-checking schedules to make sure you get to the right class.

At college, I found the little moments in a Shabbat dinner with a group of upperclassmen girls, baking challah, ordering take-out, and hearing their stories of their time at school so far.

With so many questions to sift through, it’s no wonder many college students struggle to meaningfully connect with Jewish life on campus – but I believe this year is an incredibly exciting time to be Jewish on campus. Though many students may be missing their hometown youth group, congregation, or summer camp as the school year begins, there are plenty of exciting and unique ways for college students to explore Judaism and expand their connection to the Jewish community.

Nothing is more intimidating than leaving your comfort zone, facing a mix of new people, routines, and cultures – especially when you're doing it alone. I’ll never forgot how it felt when I left for college, a New York girl heading to school in the Midwest.