Attending CAMERA’s annual Student Leadership and Advocacy Training in August was one of the most enriching and beneficial experiences of my college career. As a rising junior at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL, I was honored to be to chosen to attend this past conference. As soon as I entered the doors of Hillel at Boston University, I was surrounded by an amazing group of young student leaders, who all have one set goal in mind: To defend and advocate for the state of Israel. When the CAMERA staff introduced themselves to the students, I felt that I was part of a strong big family. The warmth, smiles, and support were immediately conveyed from the energetic and positive attitudes of Aviva, Samantha, and Gilad.
Out of all the student leadership conferences that I had attended, I had gained the most skills out of this conference. I am now proud to say that I feel comfortable to go back to campus and apply all of the excellent advertising, communication, and networking techniques that I learned in the sessions of the conference.
The agenda was successfully planned with many inspiring activities. CAMERA staff made sure to bring motivational and professional guest speakers with answers to all possible questions. Let us not forget that staff’s own unique and fun presentations about all possible issues that we may encounter on campus. Breaks and special attractions were also well distributed within the daily schedule, and all students were very appreciative of that.
I would like to thank CAMERA for their above and beyond kind, successful, and well-thought out hospitality. Providing all activists with snacks and CAMERA goods, useful and much informative binders, kosher meals, and free transportation, CAMERA made this trip an unforgettable experience. On behalf of Owls for Israel, a pro- Israel organization at Florida Atlantic University, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the staff of CAMERA, to its founders, and to all of its supporters. I am very excited to start this upcoming 2013-2014 academic year, knowing I have beyond all of the required materials, ideas, information, and advice to help in the battle towards a more optimistic future for the perception of Israel on American campuses.
Thank you, CAMERA, for motivating me to always stay proud of who I am, where I’m from, and what I stand for. A special thank you to Hillel at Boston University and its staff and CAMERA interns Leeron, Eli, and everyone else, who helped make this event successful. You are all amazing and inspiring individuals, and I am so glad I know I have you as eternal supporters. Much appreciation to all of your hard work.
Contributed by Leehe Negri, CCAP Liaison at Florida Atlantic University