J-Aggie of the WEEK!

  Jewish Aggie of the WEEK Presents…

What is your name?

Justine Berman

Where are you from?

I am from Dallas, TX, but was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Where did you go to high school?

Yavneh Academy of Dallas

What is your major and why did you decide to pursue such a degree?

I am an Animal Science major with the hopes of becoming an Avian Board Certified Veterinarian one day. 

Why did you choose Texas A&M?

I chose Texas A&M because it was the only school with both a strong animal science program and a strong Jewish community.

What is your favorite book? Why?

 The Harry Potter series, because it is amazing!

What is your favorite food?

Thai Food

What is your favorite Jewish food?

Sweet Noodle Kugel

What is your favorite drink?

Dr. Pepper- I am an addict.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year?

I will be spending thanksgiving with my best friend from high school and her family because they always have the best food!

Favorite Jewish memory? Why?

My favorite Jewish memories are those experienced at Yachad Events and Shabbatons (Yachad is a Jewish organization that brings together individuals with special needs and high school teens) because I have never experienced such light in this world.

Have you ever traveled outside of the United States? If so, where? Which place was your favorite? For what reason?

I have been to Poland and Israel for the March of the Living, South Africa to visit family, and Canada to visit a family and shadow them in their veterinary practice.

Have you ever been to Israel? If so, what was the most moving/amazing/inspirational experience you had?  

I went to Israel for the March of the Living and the most inspirational experience I had was going to Masada and tangibly seeing what I had learned about for years.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

South America to see wild parrots.

If you could pick one superpower what would it be? Why?

I would definitely have to pick teleportation because I feel as though I waste so much time driving.

If you had a message for the freshmen what would it be?

Study first, party later! You only have once chance to be the best you can be.

If you could start university again what would you do differently?

I would not do a thing differently, the love shown by my Aggie family made my first semester at Texas A&M the most amazing experience.

What do you love most about being an Aggie (I mean you’re always an Aggie)? WHOOP!

I love how united we are as Aggies and the generosity of the Aggie family.

What is your favorite color (think the whole Crayola color scheme)?

All shades, tints, and tones of purple. I don’t discriminate.

Do you have any older or younger siblings? How old are they?

I have a 16 year old sister named Danielle

Do you have any animals? What is their best trick?

I have a Scarlet Macaw that Gives hi-fives and a dog that waves hello.

What has been your favorite Jewish activity to date this past semester?

“Havdallah Under the Stars” with Chabad because there is nothing better than friends and s’mores.

Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie?

Book, my imagination is way better than what actors can portray.

What is your favorite movie?

Pride and Prejudice.

In your spare time what do you like to do?

What is spare time?

What was your favorite vacation?

Vacationing in Hilton Head Island, SC with my family.

If you could have one wish for anything in the world what would it be?

Everyday decisions change this world for the better or worse, and we are the ones behind every move.

What did you love about Jewish life on campus?

How close knit the Jewish students are, we have made our own family. 

  Jewish Aggie of the WEEK Presents…

What is your name?

Sam Sternfeld

What is your major and why did you decide to pursue such a degree?  

BA Communications/ Minor Film Studies. I want to do Public Relations/Marketing for Entertainment.

Why did you choose Texas A&M?

I’m a transfer so I wanted a school closer to home and a place I already had friends at.

Where are you from?

Southlake, TX

Where did you go to high school?

Southlake Carroll High School

What is your favorite food?

Steak

What is your favorite drink?

Shirley Temples

What is your favorite Jewish food?

Challah

Have you ever been to Israel? If so, what was the most moving/amazing/inspirational experience you had?

No, but I will be going for Winter Break 2013. I am so excited!

Favorite Jewish memory? Why?

Going to Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s in New York/Chicago when I was really young for cousins. I knew then that I was so excited to be a Jewish and the feeling of family when you are Jewish.

Have you ever traveled outside of the United States? If so, where? Which place was your favorite? For what reason?

Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, and Mexico. Cayman Islands were my favorite. My aunt and uncle are scuba diving instructors there and I was able to bring my best friend with me.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Tahiti. It looks like a great place to vacation.

If you had a message for the freshmen what would it be?

I know freshmen year is hard. It was one of the hardest years of my life, I really struggled. At such a big school as A&M it can be hard to find your niche. Going to Chabad or Hillel at A&M helped me gain instant friendships. I feel no matter what, that I always have a place to go when I am looking for something to do and plenty of friends to call up. We are our own little family and most of my time is spent with my friends that I met at A&M. So if you are scared or timid to come please don’t! Contact one of us and we will make sure you feel like a part of the family.

If you could start university again what would you do differently?

I would go to California or New York where there is a huge Jewish community. I first went to Utah my freshman year and then realized how important having a Jewish community was to me.

What do you love most about being an Aggie? WHOOP!

I love the traditions and the warm feeling A&M gives. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. It was easy to transfer here. I feel like I’ve been here since freshman year.

What is your favorite class at university? Who teaches the class?

Surprisingly, I liked History 106. I usually hate history classes, but this has taught me more than I did in just four years in high school.  The professor’s name is Julia Wood.

What is your favorite color (think the whole Crayola color scheme)?

Aqua or Teal

Do you have any older or younger siblings?  

I have one younger sister who is 17.

Do you have any animals?

Two yorkies.

What has been your favorite Jewish activity to date this past semester?

Love spa nights at Chabad.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I don’t read…

What is your favorite movie?

The Notebook

In your spare time what do you like to do?

Hang with friends, watch Netflix, and get involved in theatre if I’m not too busy.

What was your favorite vacation?

A Disney Cruise.

Do you prefer living on campus or off campus? What would you recommend to freshmen?

I would recommend off campus.  I would either live in a house with friends or look at apartments like the Woodlands. They are close to campus so you can ride the bus and you get your bang for your buck.

If you could have one wish for anything in the world what would it be?

To be a famous actress in movies or TV shows.

What do you love about Jewish life on campus?  

It’s smaller than most campuses, but I love that. I know every Jew at A&M and we are all close. We are a family.