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Sushi and Smoothies

Every lunch time, my coworker and I walk to the student center to enjoy the sun and enjoy our lunch. During our daily walks, we insert one shekel into a Mentos machine and get exactly three mentos (assorted and sometimes not). We then cut through the garden and enter the four story student center. We ride the escalator down to basement where the bus station is located and stop at our favorite sushi and smoothie stand. It’s to a point in which the workers and we greet each other by name. They have memorized our usual orders and always makes just a cup full more of the smoothies so that we both can share our drinks.

Our interactions are always filled with laughter and although my Hebrew is nonexistent, we seem to communicate through our ridiculous hand motions. My coworker is always amused with my enthusiasm to get my point across without the use of Hebrew, but she always encourages me to “just go for it.” She on the other hand is fluent in Hebrew, and she is my superhero translator.

Every day at 1PM, I am reminded of the challenges of having a language barrier. Whether it is in Jerusalem or in the States, the inability to communicate freely with others is limiting and most frustrating. I must constantly rely on others to express myself, and as a Smithie, not being able to speak my mind, is definitely the most unfavorable situation. Through this constant reminder, I have come to realize the importance as well as the virtue of patience, respect, and courage.

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