‘Something greater than myself’ | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

‘Something greater than myself’

As a freshman, I came to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus without much direction and with minimal knowledge of who I was or what lay ahead for me.

However, it didn’t take long before I began to take great pride in the exciting community and the collective spirit of volunteerism on campus. In particular, I came across the UW Hillel and found that Judaism can be a guide to address ethical and moral issues and face them. 

I became involved in Hillel and went on to serve as the vice president of its board of directors, chair of the Jewish Cultural Collective and a student volunteer on trips around the world thanks to UW-Hillel’s Taglit/Birthright and Alternative Break programs.

Through the plethora of student leadership opportunities I took advantage of, I walk away from my undergraduate experience feeling ready to go out into the world and become an active leader and an engaged citizen. 

From my travels and work with a broad range of students on many projects and programs, I have learned the importance of tolerance, hard work and compassion. 

Most of all I am grateful to have learned from Hillel the true importance of giving back to the community as a UW alumnus, a Jew, and a citizen of the world — for I am part of something greater than myself.

Despite graduating into the worst economy in decades, I still believe that my generation is in the best position to positively impact our world.  As for me, I will begin studying for my Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Administration at the London School of Economics this fall.

I know, without a doubt, that my experiences at UW-Madison and UW-Hillel will enhance my success in London, and beyond.  I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to grow academically and as an individual, and owe many thanks to the University of Wisconsin and UW-Hillel.

Brandon Perlow graduated this spring from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.