Name: Elana DiCristo
Year: 4th Year (Junior)
Position Desired: Jewish Education Chair
Candidate Bio: Please share a little bit about yourself:
I am 4th year/junior Business Administration major, Judaic Studies minor here at Drexel. I am currently working at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an external auditor/accountant for my co-op and hope to be an auditor in the future. In my free time, I teach Kindgergarten and First grade at a Hebrew School in Chester County and go Israeli folk dancing on a weekly basis. I am a Judaic studies minor because I love learning about all aspects of Judaism! I also work part-time as a Cantor at my synagogue at home on Saturday mornings. I am proud to be Jewish and would love to share that with the rest of Hillel!
What do you hope to achieve in this position? Please share some specific ideas.:
I hope to incorporate Jewish learning into all aspects of Hillel programming. When I was on board two years ago, I started a Saturday lunch n' learn where we could discuss current Jewish topics, such as astronomy, euthanasia, love, and war over a Shabbat meal. I would like to make this a regular event. I would also like to make learning fun. When Hillel hosts barbecues in the spring/summer, we could be playing Israeli music in the background or have fliers with a few facts about a specific Jewish topic to give out at the barbecue. I hope to make jewish learning fun and exciting for all involved!
What experiences and qualifications do you have for this position?:
I served on Hillel's board two years ago as their first Treasurer. Since I was the first Treasurer, I learned a lot about the structure of Drexel's administration as well as the structure of JSA/Hillel. In addition, I learned about SAFAC and know the way SAFAC runs as well as how to apply for grants. I also was the head of the Purim committee for last year's Philadelphia-wide Purim party. I planned a Purim party for all Philadelphia area colleges, contacted venues and publicized the event through Drexel. As for the education party of the title, I currently teach Hebrew school and am in a professional develpment program to learn to become a better teacher (a Ner Tamid program through ACAJE). I also went through Hebrew school and then through Hebrew High school at Gratz College and found a love of Jewish learning through Gratz and USY (United Synagogue Youth- a conservative youth movement). I hope to use the different aspects of my past experience to help me serve as the
Jewish Education chair.
What other responsibilities do you have and how much time can you allot to Hillel/JSA responsibilities?:
The reason I was not able to serve on Hillel board this past year was due to my co-op. When my co-op is done at the end of winter term, I will have no other obligations other than school, teaching Hebrew school Sunday mornings, and leading a Tot Shabbat once a month at a synagogue near my home (nothing during the week other than school). When I served as Treasurer for Hillel, I made a point to make Hillel/JSA a priority and I intend to do the same.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?:
I love meeting new people and I love being Jewish and I hope to have the opportunity to serve on Hillel's board again!
What is your favorite thing about Hillel?:
The community and the friends I have made from Hillel.
Are you the candidate listed above?: Yes
Have you read the candidate contract?: Yes
E-mail: elana.dicristo@gmail.com
Phone Number: 610 213 8527
Electronic Signature: Elana DiCristo |
