Finding Purpose: How a University Fellowship Transformed Lauren’s Jewish Identity and Career Path
This University Fellowship has been the most pivotal experience in shaping who I am today.
—Lauren, University Fellow 2016
Lauren’s relationship with her Jewish identity had always been fraught with complexity. Growing up, she was bullied for being Jewish, which left her feeling disconnected and ambivalent about her heritage. She wasn’t proud or particularly engaged with her Jewish identity; it was just a part of who she was, something she rarely reflected on.
But that began to shift during her first year at San Francisco State University. Enrolled in a Jewish Studies course, Lauren’s professor introduced her to the University Fellowship at the JFCS Holocaust Center, a unique paid opportunity for students to act as integral members of the Holocaust Center staff. On a whim, she applied and was accepted, unaware that this experience would change the course of her life.
The fellowship was Lauren’s first deep dive into Judaism from an academic perspective. As she mentored teens, spent time with Holocaust survivors and managing historical artifacts, and led educational programming, it awakened a curiosity she had never felt before. With a widened view of Judaism, community, and history, Lauren felt a profound connection to her Jewish identity that was rooted in history and culture. This connection ignited a passion for history and learning that would become a cornerstone of her identity.
Before the fellowship, Lauren had vaguely considered pursuing a law career, but she hadn’t taken any concrete steps toward it. The fellowship, however, pushed her out of her comfort zone and inspired her to take control of her future.
With newfound clarity and purpose, Lauren made a bold decision. After she completed her fellowship, she transferred from San Francisco State to USC, seeking a stronger path to law school. Her determination paid off: she went on to attend USC Law School, passed the bar, and is now on the cusp of starting a career in law, where she plans to use her degree to improve community development.
As Lauren looks to the future, her goals are clear. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives, to be a leader who helps others, just as she has been helped and mentored along the way. The fellowship played a pivotal role in guiding her on this path, instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility to her community and a desire to use her skills for the greater good. Though she’s not entirely sure where this journey will take her, Lauren hopes that in ten years, she’ll be able to look back and see the meaningful impact she has made on the world around her.
Applications for the Pell University Fellowship and the Manovill University Fellowship are now open. Request an application today!
Each fellowship is inspired by a powerful family legacy. The Pell University Fellowship is named for Joseph Pell z”l and Eda Pell, survivors of the Holocaust and strong advocates for Holocaust education. The Manovill University Fellowship is named in memory of Lilly Manovill z”l, who courageously helped fellow Jews from the Budapest Ghetto escape and survive.
More fellowships are needed to expand education statewide and nationally. If you are interested in establishing a fellowship, please email Morgan Blum Schneider at morganb@jfcs.org.