Write Your Story
On behalf of The Commentator board, I’d like to welcome all new students to campus. Many of you have either finished your gap year programs in Israel or just graduated high school; either way, all of us have returned from what was hopefully a fun and relaxing summer and are now coming to campus, where the good and the less ideal — friends, fun club activities, grade stress and midterms — all await.
The adjustment period can be especially tumultuous for new students, as increased independence and responsibility catch many off guard. You will receive words of advice from numerous people — your friends, parents and professors — that seem contradictory, all with the well-meaning intent of helping you during this time. It’s in this spirit that I’d like to offer my two cents to incoming students to add to the chaos:
First, perhaps an obvious but underappreciated realization: you alone create your college experience. You will notice that students here have vastly different lifestyles; some stay in for all Shabbosim, attend every club activity and hang out downtown every night, while others stay in for Shabbos once a year, have never joined a club and never taken the subway. No single model works for everyone; there’s a spectrum of possibilities, and the lifestyle you choose is up to you. Don’t shy away from trying different styles out before you settle on a routine.
Second, acknowledge that the “I am YU” promotional signs carry weight. You, the student body, make up this institution. You are YU. You have the power and voice to shape the school in your image. The university has a long history of successful student protests against policies that conflicted with their interests. For example, in 2021, the administration held commencement ceremonies in person following widespread student backlash against a planned virtual event. Don’t think that your voices are unheard.
Lastly, while you may think you’re just getting started, know that your time here, however sweet, isn’t long. As an incoming senior, I can personally testify that the last two years have gone by much faster than I expected. Take advantage of the opportunities this special place offers. Try out different clubs and OSL events. Try not to be a “pass-through” student, here only to get your degree and move on. Open CampusGroups and see what you’re missing: networking events, trips, guest speakers and club meetings. You don’t need to attend every event, but at least know what’s available.
On that note, I’d like to call on interested students to join The Commentator. We’re Yeshiva University’s oldest student paper; we’ve been giving the administration headaches since 1935.
All kidding aside, we strive to report YU-related news with the highest journalistic standards, while our opinions section invites students to publish their thoughts on pressing issues. This year, we are reintroducing the Letters to the Editor section to provide an open forum for commentary and dialogue. If you want to share your opinion on an article or letter but don’t want to write an entire article in response, this section is for you. I look forward to the lively (yet civil) debates in the coming months.
The Commentator isn’t just another publication; ultimately, it’s run by college students who know how to have a good time. We aspire to create a vibrant network of board members and writers, hosting fun get-togethers on both campuses. In-person events create a more effective paper, as writers and editors will come to view The Commentator not just as a work commitment, but a community they belong to. We look forward to working with you this year!
Now that you have received your briefing from yours truly, you are ready to start the year. Yes, at certain times during the year, you may be overwhelmed by a heavy course load or YU’s unique dual curriculum. Know that these struggles are shared by all of your classmates and are crucial to your personal growth. So embrace the discomfort, ask for help when you need it and remember: you’re the one writing this story — make it a good one.
