Senior Internships

List of 14 items.

• May 16 - Sophie Schall

  As my internship at the Golda Och Academy Lower School comes to an end, I’m reflecting on how much I’ve grown throughout this experience. What started as a role similar to a teacher’s assistant became an eye-opening journey that helped me learn about early education and the work that goes on behind the scenes. 
  
  

  I rotated between classrooms each week, working with pre-K, Gan, and first-grade students. I helped with classroom activities, guided small group lessons, and supervised recess. I especially loved listening to the kids’ hilarious conversations and watching them learn and play. One of my favorite moments was playing “snap word fishing” with Gan B, a fun vocabulary game that kept the students engaged. 
  
  

  Throughout this experience, I saw how important the early years of education are for building academic and social skills. I was constantly impressed by how much thought and care the teachers put into their lessons. This helped me appreciate how much work goes into being a teacher and how important that role is in helping children develop.

  This internship also made me consider a future in elementary education. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids as a babysitter and counselor, but being in the classroom showed me how impactful even the smallest interactions can be. Whether helping a student sound out words, assisting with sentence structure, or just encouraging their creativity, I felt I was making a real difference. This internship gave me a strong foundation, and now I’m motivated to keep learning and growing in this area.
  
  

  I’m deeply grateful to the teachers and staff at Golda Och Academy for welcoming me and guiding me throughout this experience. Their passion for education was inspiring, and their support made me feel like part of the team. I also want to thank GOA for offering this internship program. It allowed me to explore my interests and helped me imagine a future where I continue to inspire and support young children in their early years of learning.

• May 15 - Yakir Schlosberg

  The senior internship at Golda Och Academy has been a wonderful opportunity for me. In this internship, I have gained a tremendous amount. For ease of explanation (and also because it’s way, way, way more fun,) I will demonstrate my learning and advancement in skills with the Dungeons and Dragons stats system!

   

  For those who don’t know, Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game made by Wizards of the Coast. In it, there are six main stats any character or NPC(non-playable character) can have. They are: Strength(STR), Dexterity(DEX), Constitution(CON) Intelligence(INT), Wisdom(WIS), and finally Charisma(CHA). I will go through each of these, explain what they mean in the context of the game and this context, and how I have grown in each one. I will also give each stat a modifier of what it was versus what it is now, which is a number you add or subtract to a die roll when using that stat. Generally, it goes from -3 (really bad) to +3 (really good). 

   

  Firstly, let's start off with Strength. This stat is pretty self-explanatory. Strength is how strong you are, how powerful your muscles are, and how well you can punch, kick, or lift. Generally, I’m pretty average in terms of strength, not weak at all, but not impressively strong either. Over this internship, one of the main things I did was lift heavy things, mainly every morning, where I hauled heavy buckets and humidifier parts full of water up the stairs 4-6 every day to fill the humidifiers, which keep the guitars and other instruments from getting dry and ruined. This got my muscles really working. In fact, there was a time I worked out arms in the morning (I almost never do this) and had tons of difficulty carrying the water up. I don’t really know how much this has genuinely helped me get stronger, so I’m not really going to give myself a higher modifier, but it probably did somewhat. I’d say starting, I have a 0 (perfectly average), and I still do.

   

  Moving on, let's talk about dexterity. Dexterity is about agility, hand-eye coordination, and finesse. It’s how well you can react, how carefully you can do delicate tasks, and how nimble you are physically. At the start of this internship, I wasn’t particularly clumsy or anything, not particularly graceful either. Over time, though, I started handling more gear, arranging pedals, and carefully moving large, heavy boxes through tight spaces and catacomb-like basements. These tasks really required precision. Especially when placing fragile items costs thousands of dollars, I began to notice how much more deliberate and steady I became with my hands. Again, I don’t really know if this puts me in +1 range, but I probably improved in this also.

   

  Constitution is your stamina and durability. It’s how well you handle long hours, repeated effort, and anything that drains your energy. In-game obviously this means taking hits, but here we can talk about it as a mental strength. This is one of the stats I think really improved during my time at the internship. Being on your feet for hours, doing repetitive or physical tasks (like those humidifiers again), and staying focused even when the work is slow all build up endurance. I remember one of my first days feeling this awful feeling because I wasn’t used to not being stimulated in some way by people or technology or something. There were definitely days I felt wiped at the beginning, but as time went on, I found I could push through more comfortably. I’d say I started at a +0 and grew into a +1- 2 here—definitely tougher and better at powering through even when it’s not particularly stimulating.

   

  Intelligence in D&D is all about how much you know, how fast you learn, and how well you can reason through complicated stuff. When I started, I didn’t know a ton about how a music store actually runs—how inventory is handled, what different types of gear are used for, or even what half the equipment did. But I was curious and asked a lot of questions. I learned the names and functions of all sorts of audio gear and how to organize it.  I also started understanding how different roles in the store fit together and how systems work on a larger level. I’m not saying I’m a genius now or anything, but I’d say I went from a +0 to a +1 here. I’ve definitely become sharper and more informed, and I’m proud of that.

   

  Wisdom is a little more abstract—it’s about perception, awareness, intuition, and good judgment. In the internship, this showed up in a lot of little ways. At first, I just followed instructions and didn’t think much beyond what I was told to do. But as I got more familiar with the store’s layout, the rhythm of the work, and the people coming in and out, I started picking up on patterns and anticipating what was needed. For example, when organizing inventory, I started realizing what actually makes things easier to access or more appealing to customers. I also began to understand how different personalities function within the space and how to move around and do my job in a way that supports the team instead of getting in the way. That’s not something anyone taught me directly—it came from paying attention and being present. I’d say I went from maybe a -1 to a solid 0- +1 here.

   

  Charisma is how well you communicate and connect with others. It’s not just about charm—it’s about presence, confidence, and how you carry yourself. Going in, I was a little unsure of myself in a work setting. Generally speaking, I tend to be uncomfortable in new spaces. I didn’t know what to say to customers or how to act in a professional environment, so I kind of kept to myself. But over time, that shifted. I started feeling more comfortable speaking up, whether it was asking to learn from the repair guys downstairs or offering help with something around the store. I learned to read the room better, speak more confidently, and even started picking up on how the other employees build trust with customers through calm, knowledgeable conversation. I still wouldn’t call myself super outgoing, but I’d say I went from a -1 to a +0—getting better at showing up and being present socially, even when it’s a little outside my comfort zone. 

   

  In conclusion, this internship was pretty cool. Also like I learned stuff and made connections which can help me in my future career. Thanks to Tom and the rest of the people at O Dibella Music for allowing me to spend 180+ hours in their store. Thanks to Mr. Hefetz, Lauren Markon, and the rest of the people at GOA for making this happen! 

• May 14 - Austin Colm

  The Senior Internship at Golda Och Academy, and historically Solomon Schechter Day School, marks a turning point. Yet, it is far from an ending. It is a bridge. A bridge that connects you from the classroom to your eventual career. For some, that bridge will take detours, such as further education or different career paths. You may need to exit and hop on another bridge. However, for me, it is a bridge of inspiration and confirmation on what direction I want my life to head in.

  
  

  During my internship, I was fortunate to spend over 350 hours at Englewood Orthopedic Associates and Hackensack University Medical Center. This experience provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the world of surgery, an experience that most premeds can only dream of. From days in the operating room to rounding in the Surgical Intensive Care and Step Down Units, from presenting clinical research posters to shadowing trauma surgeons, and of course, many cups of coffee, I gained a front row insight into the field of surgery and a collaborative healthcare environment.

  
  

  Through my internship, I gained a valuable insight into both the human and technical aspects of healthcare, both in private practice and hospital-based medicine. While my clinical and medical knowledge has surely expanded, nothing will ever replace the first-hand experience I’ve gained interacting with patients face to face. I learned how to remain calm when my surroundings are extremely hectic, how to interpret subtle cues from a patient, and how to be a meaningful contributor to a medical team, even though I am a visiting student. This experience has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding in patient care. 

  
  

  As I prepare for the next phase of my academic and professional journey at WashU and later on in Medical school, I am filled with inspiration from the experience I have had with these two remarkable medical institutions. Their influence will guide me with deep determination as I continue to pursue my career in medicine.

  
  

  As the Right Honourable Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill once said, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” My internship marks the end of my career at GOA, but it is perhaps the beginning of a lifelong career in medicine. The connections and skills I’ve made will continue to affect my metaphorical bridge as I progress in my career goals. These connections will provide me with support and guidance, while the skills I've acquired will be the foundation of my professional development. 

  
  

  I’d like to take a moment to thank all those who have had an impact on my internship experience: 
  
  

  From Golda Och: Jon Hefetz, Stephanie Bash-Soudry, Rabbi Danny Nevins, Paul-Michael Huseman, Dr. Catherine Lasser, and Glenn Slavin.

  
  

  From HUMC: Nadine D’Ambrosio, Marjon Shahsamand, Sarah Monchar, Ashley Rosskopf, Nicole Kilgallen, Caryn Simone, Lauren Iler, Matt Poland, Irena Henry, Sharjill, Razin, Nesha Rampersad, Allison Subaldo, and Tania Zielonka; As well as Doctors, Tyrie, Toraby, Abd El-Shafy, Cunnion, Rose, Poirier, Rajkumar, Kim, Zuberi, Park, DiRoma, and Kuenzler.

  
  

  From EOA: Ina Cruz, Colleen Wojna, Nancy Bello, Regina Brynes, Vinnie DePaolo, Erin Moreau, Caela Lenhardt, Amanda Livsey, William Janes, PA-C, and Traci Blake; As well as Doctors Mercado, Mariano, Chuang, and Shah.

• May 14 - Yakir Schlosberg

  Since continuing my internship at O Dibella Music on the border of Teaneck and Bergenfield, I’ve started to notice how much I’ve grown—not just in knowledge about music gear and the store, but in my approach to work, routine, and independence. For instance, I recently worked up the courage to advocate for myself and ask the people at the repair shop downstairs if they could teach me something about repairing instruments, specifically clarinets and saxophones which I play. I would love to learn how to repair these instruments not only because I want to repair my own and be self-sufficient in that sense but also because I think it would be a great opportunity now. It could also potentially be a good income stream for me down the road. It is also good to create those connections now. 
  
  

  I’ve also started to better understand the rhythm and pace of the store and how it functions. I see what people do, their jobs, and how they operate within this hierarchy. It makes me understand better all the different companies, schools, and other institutions. It also helps me better understand the world at large and how it works, including our governments and the general global stage. 
  
  

  One of the biggest things I’ve started to value is attention to detail. At first, I was mostly doing basic organizational work—moving boxes, tuning instruments, and checking cables and amps. Now, those same tasks feel more nuanced. When I’m organizing inventory, I don’t just toss things into a pile or follow vague instructions. I have a clearer sense of what the store needs: what makes a display functional and appealing to customers, what needs to be accessible quickly, and how things flow when you’re trying to find something fast. Even something as simple as organizing guitar pedals becomes a puzzle about labeling, visibility, and categorization.
  
  

  Helping customers has still been a limited part of my experience, but I’ve noticed I’m starting to feel more prepared when those moments happen. I’m learning to listen first and observe what they’re looking for before stepping in. At this stage, it’s more about watching how the other employees interact with customers—how they explain something without overwhelming the person, or how they build trust just by knowing their products. I’m hoping that as I continue to learn more about the store’s inventory, I’ll be able to take on that role more often.
  
  

  I especially appreciate the independence I still have, while also having more and more responsibility. For instance, every morning I have the responsibility of carrying water up from the basement and filling the humidifiers with water, which keeps the air humid and prevents the guitars from cracking. 
  
  

  All in all, this internship has been a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person and to experience working in music.
  
  

• May 13 - Joshua Shalumov

  As my internship at EJ’s Place in Teaneck, New Jersey comes to an end, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this experience taught me—not just about cooking or working in a restaurant, but about myself. I came into this internship with over two years of work experience at EJ’s already under my belt. I thought I knew everything I needed to know. But being in a learning position again showed me that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to taking advice and stepping back to listen.
  
  One of the biggest things I realized is that I’m not always right. There are people at EJ’s who have been doing this for a long time. They know the kitchen inside and out, and they’ve made mistakes, fixed them, and kept growing. I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing I can do is listen to them, even when I think I have the answer. That shift in mindset has helped me become more open, more observant, and more respectful of the experience around me.
  
  Throughout the internship, I’ve also been able to strengthen a lot of skills that I didn’t even realize needed work. For example, I’ve gotten better at keeping cool when things get hectic. Before, if there were too many orders or things weren’t going right, I’d get flustered. But now, I’m learning to pause, breathe, and keep going without letting the stress take over. I’ve also become more consistent. Whether it’s prepping ingredients or handling orders, I’ve started to build better habits that help me stay on track and do things the right way every time.
  
  At the same time, I’ve learned that there are still areas I need to work on. Time management and stress control are two big ones. I get distracted easily, and that makes me lose track of time, especially during slower moments, when it’s easier to zone out. But in a kitchen, every second matters. I’ve seen how quickly things can fall behind if you’re not staying on task. I also want to improve how I manage stress, because it affects how I communicate and make decisions. Recognizing these weaknesses now gives me something clear to work on as I move forward.
  
  I want to say thank you to everyone who helped make this experience meaningful. First, thank you to Bruno, who works at the pizza station. He’s been doing this for years and always made time to show me techniques, even in the middle of a rush. I learned a lot just by watching how he moves and how he stays calm under pressure. And of course, thank you to the whole team at EJ’s for trusting me and making me feel like a real part of the kitchen.
  
  Finally, I want to thank Golda Och Academy for giving me the opportunity to take part in this program. It gave me the chance to turn a regular job into something that helped me grow. I’m leaving this internship more confident, more aware, and more motivated to keep improving.

• April 29 - Austin Colm

  Since my last update, I have added over 100 hours of interning at Englewood Orthopedic Associates (EOA) and HMHN/Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).  While many of my daily tasks remain the same, some newly acquired skills have led to expanded roles.
  
  

  On operative days (Mondays) with Dr. Shah, I have begun to ease my way into more circulatory roles towards the end of cases. Last month, Dr. Shah and I developed a new system for compressing, wrapping, and icing patients immediately after knee replacement. Towards the end of each case, I gather necessary supplies and situate them on a Mayo Stand (an elevated instrument table), ready for me to apply after closure. We installed this procedure to reduce the amount of minor tasks for post-operative nurses. This is an application of the problem-solving skills we learn in educational institutions.
  
  

  On clinic days (Tuesdays) at Englewood Orthopedics, I have continued to assist Dr. Shah with minor tasks, such as MRSA cultures, handouts, scans, and physical therapy prescriptions. As time has progressed, I have come to better comprehend EOA’s process for evaluating and scheduling surgical candidates. More experience with Dr. Shah’s scheduling process has allowed me to help increase his practice's productivity by assisting with paperwork and escorting patients to the surgical schedulers. 
  
  

  I’d like to highlight an experience I had in Dr Shah’s operating room on Monday, April 21. Dr Shah consults with and designs products for Maxx Orthopedics, a company he started with his brother back in the early 2000s. Dr. Shah’s previous research and development projects were designing knee replacements small enough for female and Asian patients, who typically have smaller knees. One of their most popular designs is the Freedom Knee replacement.
  
  

  That Monday, I witnessed the implantations of the first Freedom Titan Knee Systems. The Titan is coated in Titanium Niobium Nitride. While knee replacement is a generally straightforward procedure, negative outcomes may occur in up to 1 in 5 patients. The Freedom’s coating is designed for patients with metal sensitivities as the Titanium blocks out the Chromium and Cobalt found in the standard Freedom knee. It was a pleasure to see the tail end of the Titans' design process.

  Below are some photos of Titan prior to implantation. Please note the gold color of the Titanium coating as the original Freedom knee is silver in color.

  .

  The rest of the week I still intern at Hackensack. Most mornings, I attend Step Down Unit Leadership Rounds with the Trauma Office. There, we check in to make sure the quality of the patient's stay is as optimized as possible. For example, if we hear that a patient has been waiting two hours to receive their breakfast, it would be reported at rounds and communicated to the necessary personnel who can rectify the matter. This is just one example of why applied communications skills are stressed at Golda Och.
  
  

  After Step Down Rounds, I head up to the Surgical ICU for three to four hours of rounds with the intensive care team. The treatment plans in the ICU, in concept, are not far off from a basic lab science class. Analyzing data, coupled with physical observations and published guidelines/, forms the basis for a firm strategy of patient care. Rounds, however, are not always a standing discussion. Over the past few weeks, I have observed several bedside procedures in the ICU, such as bronchoscopies and tracheostomies.
  
  

  My afternoons are usually spent in the trauma office working on research projects and planning events.  In my last update, I mentioned several projects that I've worked on. The posters that I designed as adjuncts to research abstracts are being presented this week at a traumatology convention in Las Vegas. Moreover, the previously mentioned literature review on pediatric radiation exposure has evolved into a presentation that will soon be presented at a nursing research meeting. While my role may not be the largest, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment knowing that my contributions are positive and add to scholarly progress. I’d personally like to highlight my experience in Mr. Kesser’s senior research class, as I have utilized many of the skills he taught me.
  
  

  Further,  I've been working closely with the injury prevention team. Each month, we host a table in the children's hospital, promoting safe practices on bicycles, offering car seat checks, and providing swimming lessons for underprivileged children. I've participated in two of these events so far and feel very honored to do so. 

  To date, I've also co-taught four sessions of Stop the Bleed, a campaign set forth by the Department of Defense in partnership with the American College of Surgeons, teaching everyday Americans skills to mitigate life-threatening bleeding. Several more of these events are slated for the coming weeks. This was a significant experience as I further honed my public speaking skills. Additionally, I was introduced to the campaign back in 2023 and enjoy coming full circle by teaching these sessions. I plan to continue working with HUMC’s injury prevention team beyond my internship, as we have courses scheduled for late spring and early summer.

  

  
  
  

  Lastly, on Friday, April 25th, HUMC hosted an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) class to certify their staff. At the beginning of my internship, I was made aware of this and offered the opportunity to help prepare supplies and audit the course; naturally, I accepted. In the weeks leading up to the event, I assisted the trauma office with manufacturing simulated supplies for the circulation section of the course. However, my role did not just end there. I volunteered to be a simulated patient for the adjunct examination session, allowing course members to practice FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) on me. By volunteering, I supported a hands-on component of the certification, facilitating application of the participant's knowledge in a controlled setting. 
  
  

  Included is a picture of the session depicting one of the attending trauma surgeons instructing a group of PAs and Medical Students. 

  I am most thankful for the learning experiences provided by both Englewood and Hackensack, and look forward to the remainder of my Internship. Look out for my final blog update in the coming weeks. 

  

   

• April 28 - Sophie Schall

  I’ve never really known what I want to be when I grow up, but I’ve always loved working with kids. Throughout my time at the Lower School, I’ve come to truly understand how much of an impact the early years of education have on a child. These are the years when important skills are built, not just academically but socially as well. Being part of that process has been both eye-opening and incredibly rewarding.
  
  

  This internship has given me the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to teach younger children lessons that will stay with them for years to come. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how much thought and care goes into each moment in the classroom and how much work teachers put into each and every lesson. It’s also made me consider elementary education as a career path, something I had never thought about before. I’ve learned that teaching children is one of the most important jobs out there, as it can shape not just a student’s academic success but also their self-esteem and love of learning.
  
  

  I believe I’ve positively impacted the classrooms I’ve helped in by adding extra support, introducing a new dynamic, and showing a genuine love for helping students grow. Whether I’m going over a lesson with a student one-on-one, helping with letter and sentence structuring, or assisting with classroom activities, I’ve found that even small moments can have a big impact.
  
  

  Being in the classroom has given me a new perspective, not just on teaching but on the importance of those early school years. I love being there to help inspire these children, encourage their confidence, and help them find joy in learning. I can genuinely see myself pursuing a career in education and making that same impact on future students.

• April 22 - Ester Golan

  Living far away from my family has been one of the more emotionally challenging parts of this internship. There are days when I’m on my feet for 15 hours straight—running around the restaurant, juggling media content, packing orders, handling the register, cleaning up, and trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. By the time I get home, I’m completely drained, and sometimes all I want is to be back in my own home with my family, just relaxing and feeling that sense of comfort. It’s easy in moments like that to feel homesick, to wish for a little familiarity, or even just a hug from my mom. But despite the long hours and missing home sometimes, I know how lucky I am to be doing this. I remind myself daily not to take this experience for granted. I’m gaining so much—real-life expertise, business skills, media knowledge, and more. It’s not every day you get to live and work with your best friend, help run a growing restaurant, and be part of something that’s starting to take off. It’s been intense, but it’s also been incredibly meaningful.
  
  

  Another major thing I’ve learned during this internship is just how challenging customer service can be, especially in the food and catering industry. There are days when we deal with customers who are just straight-up disrespectful—talking down to us, yelling, or treating us like we’re not actual human beings. I’ve had to learn to bite my tongue more times than I can count, and that’s not easy for me. If you know me, you know I love to talk—and that’s honestly an understatement. I’m expressive, I speak my mind, so staying silent when someone is being rude, entitled, or completely unreasonable is something I’ve had to train myself to do. But what frustrates me is how normalized it is for service workers to be treated poorly, like we’re less than just because we’re on the other side of the counter. Yes, we’re here to provide a service. Yes, we want to make your experience great. But that doesn’t mean we’re not human beings with limits and emotions. This isn’t just a problem at our restaurant—it’s something I’ve noticed in so many parts of corporate America. It’s a mindset that people have, and it needs to change. We need to change. Respect and kindness should be the baseline, not something that has to be earned. I’ve learned so much from this job, and one of the biggest lessons is that how you treat others, especially those in a service role, says a lot more about you than it does about them.

• April 10 - Ester Golan

  My internship at Zoares Kosher Grill has honestly been such a wild and amazing experience. I run all the media management for the restaurant, and we’ve had a few posts go viral on Instagram—with over three million views combined. Ever since those videos blew up, the place has been packed, like no walking room, no available seating, nonstop orders kind of packed. It’s been both a blessing and a bit of chaos for this small, family-owned spot. On top of social media, I hop in wherever I’m needed—whether that’s running the cashier, prepping food, packing up Uber Eats orders, or just doing whatever needs to get done when things get super busy (which is pretty much every day now). It’s been so cool to actually see how social media can make such a real difference in a business, and I’ve learned so much about how it all works behind the scenes.
  
  

  What makes it even better is who I get to do this with. Silvia Zoares, the owner, is one of my oldest friends—we grew up together in California and now we get to live and work together in Brooklyn, which still feels kind of surreal. Along with her sister Shiri, the three of us run the restaurant every day of the week. It honestly feels more like family than work most of the time. It’s not always easy—running a small business has its ups and downs for sure—but having people you love and trust around you makes all the difference. I’ve learned a lot about social media, business, and just how much effort goes into making a place like this run. It’s been exhausting, hilarious, stressful, and so rewarding all at once—and I feel really lucky to be part of it.

• April 7 - Joshua Shalumov

  Over the past couple of weeks at EJ’s Place, I’ve started to realize that being in a kitchen is more about mental sharpness and self-awareness than I used to think. I came into this internship already knowing how things work around here, but being in this new position has helped me develop my skills in a more focused way. One of the biggest areas where I’ve grown is in avoiding quick, silly mistakes, the kind you don’t really notice until they’re already causing problems. In the kitchen, those mistakes can slow everything down, whether it’s misplacing an order, burning something, or just grabbing the wrong item at the wrong time.
  
  Now, I’ve gotten better at staying focused under pressure, especially during busy rushes. Before, I used to get a little thrown off when orders piled up, but lately I’ve been able to stay calm and efficient, even when the kitchen’s packed and the phone’s ringing nonstop. I’m learning to prioritize, communicate faster with others, and stay locked in without panicking. These aren’t flashy skills, but they’re the kind that make a real difference when things get hectic.
  
  In terms of contributing to the restaurant’s productivity, I think the best thing I’ve brought to the team is my reliability. I know the rhythm of the place already, so I can jump into almost any task without needing extra direction. Whether it’s making fries, prepping pizzas, or handling inventory, I can keep things moving so others can focus on their own stations. Even though I’m still technically “learning,” I feel like I’m pulling my weight and helping the rest of the staff stay on track. That balance of learning while still contributing is something I’m proud of.
  
  What’s interesting is how some of the things I’ve learned in school at Golda Och Academy have helped me handle this internship better. It’s not just about knowing facts or writing essays—school has taught me how to think clearly under pressure, manage my time, and take ownership of my work. At GOA, we’re expected to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep up with multiple responsibilities. That’s not so different from a busy kitchen. If you lose track of what you’re doing or wait too long to take action, you fall behind.
  
  In classes, especially the ones where we do collaborative work or projects, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly and step up when needed. That has translated well into working at EJ’s, where you always have to be in sync with the team, even when things get chaotic. You can’t just do your own thing and expect everything to work out, you need to pay attention, adjust, and stay ready.
  
  Overall, this second week has reminded me that every shift is a chance to get sharper. It’s not just about doing tasks, it’s about doing them better every time. That mindset, along with what I’ve gained from school, has helped me level up both in the kitchen and beyond.

• April 7 - Sophie Schall

  I chose to do my internship at the Golda Och Academy Lower School. My position is similar to that of an assistant teacher or a teacher's helper. At the beginning of each week, I am given a schedule divided into periods. I rotate throughout the day between different sections. Some days it’s Pre-K, then Gan B, then a first-grade class. Some days, I help supervise recess either indoors or outside on the playground.
  
  It’s always a treat watching the kids run around freely playing and I love to see them laugh and listen to the adorable and often hilarious conversations they have with one another. There have also been times when a class would split into groups and I would go over the material with some of the students. This has really helped me gain experience of what it’s like to really teach children and understand how they learn best. The lower school teachers have come up with so many creative ways to keep the students engaged and interested in learning. 
  
  Just this week I played snap word fishing with Gan B, a fun game that keeps the kids attentive while also teaching them valuable vocabulary. This week, the classes focused on preparing for Pesach and learned about all the steps that go into making a Haggadah. Every day in first grade, the kids would add a new page, excitedly anticipating their finished books that they would bring home to their own seders.
  
  I chose this internship because I have been working with children for many years now as both a babysitter and a counselor, and it is something I am very interested in. I find working with children to be incredibly fulfilling because it's so rewarding to know that I helped a student understand a concept they once found challenging. These young children create such positive and fun working environments that make every day feel like the most amazing opportunity. I’m really grateful for this time I have in the Lower School and am looking forward to the next few months.

• March 20 - Yakir Schlosberg

  For my internship, I worked at O Dibella Music in Teaneck/Bergenfield. It is a music store that sells instruments, both used and new; provides lessons; and has a basement repair shop for all instruments. So far, I’ve been working by helping out around the store. I do things like move boxes, tune instruments, and organize inventory. For example, I had to organize an entire case of electric guitar pedals or I had to check if amps were plugged in. There have been a few instances where I have had the opportunity to help customers, too, but I need to gain more experience with the products to help me be more helpful.
  
  I wanted to work here because I wanted an internship that was related to my love and passion for music. I wanted to be in the music industry which will both help with my future career and give me valuable experience. While at this store I try to learn as much as I can about how it runs and how the industry works from the sales and repairs perspectives. Many different people come into the store, from small kids to seasoned veterans, and it’s fascinating to see how everything runs smoothly and efficiently. 
  
  While here, I hope to accomplish many things. One of these things is I want to have a solid grasp of this side of the industry and to understand how it works. I think understanding this part of the industry will be a great help for me in my future career and just in general for my personal knowledge of music and the world. 
  
  Secondly, I want to have a space where I can be around lots of different instruments and see how they work. Being in this store lets me be around instruments like double basses, accordions, and 12-stringed guitars. Being so intimately around these instruments gives me a greater appreciation for how they work. Additionally, it gives me an understanding of how different jobs work. I now have a greater and deeper understanding of the workings of stores and of establishments in my community. I see how it really is a well-oiled machine, or at least should be, and I see how an establishment like this functions. 
  
  Finally, it gives me something to do every day that is part of my routine but isn’t tied to any external events. My parents are very hands-off with this and my peers at the store aren’t really picky so I could easily slack off at this internship. But keeping myself in check when no one else is will be helpful to my long-term academic and professional development. It will help me keep a clear schedule and to know what I have to do and when I have to do it. 

• March 18 - Austin Colm

  During my Senior Internship, I plan to explore my interest in health care, particularly surgery. My goal is to gain experience in clinical and academic settings, while learning from experts in the medical field. I aim to develop the skills and experience that will serve me well years down the line. This early exposure will help me to build a strong foundation for my future career in surgery.
  
  

  In order to experience more diversity with health care settings I have chosen to split my internship hours between Englewood Orthopedic and the Hackensack Meridian Health Network.
  
  

  At Englewood, I shadow and assist Dr. Asit Shah, MD PhD, Chief of Orthopedics. On most Mondays, I shadow Dr. Shah in the operating room. There, I learn about sterile procedures and proper charting practices. I will work with him on joint replacements. Often, I collect bone fragments, sort them, and place them into specimens before being sent off to pathology. 
  
  

  Most Tuesdays, I will be with Dr Shah at his practice in Englewood Cliffs, where we see well over 40 - 50 patients per day. Some of these are for pre-op consultations and post-operative follow-up, and others are for an in-office procedure. In addition to learning human anatomy and physiology when reviewing images and tests, I have a few roles in patient care including handling patient forms/handouts, collecting preoperative MRSA cultures,  and assisting with injection procedures. 

  
  For the rest of the week, I will be at Hackensack University Medical Center working with the Trauma Surgical Critical Care and Injury Prevention division. While at Englewood I have the pleasure of interacting with patients during their treatment, I am more behind the scenes at Hackensack, observing the ins and outs of a hospital system and collaborating on various research projects. 
  
  

  Most mornings, I attend rounds in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). During SICU rounds, I observe how the care team (Attending Physician, Residents, PA-C, RN, etc.) discuss each patient's history and current status as well as adjustments to their treatment. So far, I have been warmly welcomed, and the providers seem glad that I am eager to learn. 
  
  

  After rounds, I head to the division office, where I work with Trauma Operations Manager Sarah Monchar, PA-C. Typically, she asks me to attend hospital leadership meetings with her. The topics tend to range from patient satisfaction scores to major safety issues. 
  
  

  Later in the afternoon, I work on research projects related to critical care and injury prevention. I have enjoyed working on several of these in the past two weeks. Some of my contributions include: designing posters for scholarly articles presented at conferences, establishing official protocol for patients who received contaminated blood products, and beginning a literature review on paediatric radiation exposure, collaborating with physicians, residents, and medical students on research initiatives. Looking towards the future, I have been asked to co-teach Stop the Bleed classes at local Bergen County High Schools and Community Centers. So far I have learned a lot and I look forward to the rest of the spring.

• February 28 - Joshua Shalumov

  My internship is at EJ’s Place, a pizza and Italian restaurant in Teaneck, New Jersey. This is not a new place for me—I’ve been working here for about two and a half years—but this experience is different. Instead of just showing up for work, I’m now looking at things from a learning perspective. I’m transitioning from being a clerk to someone who’s actually learning how to cook. This means I’m not just doing what I already know, but paying attention to new details, new skills, and new responsibilities.
  
  At EJ’s Place, my responsibilities are varied. Some days, I might be handling inventory, making sure we have everything we need for the day. Other times, I’m preparing food, whether it’s putting together salads, cooking fries, or making pizzas. Cleaning is also part of the job, but that’s expected in any kitchen. Since this is a restaurant, everything needs to be done efficiently, and everyone has to work as a team to keep things running smoothly. I’ve always understood that from a worker’s perspective, but now I’m seeing it from a kitchen management perspective, which is new to me.
  
  The reason I wanted to intern here is simple: I already have experience here, and I wanted to build on that. A lot of people start internships at places they’ve never worked before, but I liked the idea of improving my skills in a familiar environment. It’s easier to focus on learning when I don’t have to get used to a whole new place or a new team. I already know how things run at EJ’s, so now I can spend my time figuring out how to improve what I do rather than just learning the basics.
  
  Even though I already knew what to expect, this experience has still been a shift for me. When you work a job, you just do the tasks you’re given. But now, I have to look deeper at what I’m doing—why certain things are done a certain way, how ingredients are prepared, how the kitchen is organized. I’m starting to see what makes a kitchen efficient, and I’m realizing that cooking is more than just knowing how to make food. Timing, preparation, and organization all play a huge role in running a restaurant.
  
  One thing I want to accomplish by the end of this internship is to become more skilled as a cook. Right now, I know how to handle different food items, but I want to be more confident in technique and execution. Whether it’s making pizza dough the right way, cooking at the right temperatures, or balancing ingredients properly, I want to get better at it all. I also want to understand the business side of things—how inventory is managed, how orders are planned, and what goes into making a restaurant successful beyond just the food.
  
  So far, this internship has aligned with my expectations. I already knew what the job was like, and I knew what I wanted to get out of it. The biggest difference is how I approach it now. Instead of just working, I’m learning, and that shift in mindset has made a big difference. By the end of this, I hope to be a better cook, a more efficient worker, and someone who understands how a restaurant really functions behind the scenes.