Student Spotlight: Abrie Berkowitz
Abrie Berkowitz, KU senior
Abrie Berkowitz is a senior majoring in exercise science. She’s from Scottsdale, AZ and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Berkowitz has held positions at KU Hillel on the engagement team and the strategic team. She has recently been accepted at Washington University in St. Louis to become a physical therapist.
“Get as involved as possible and have the “Yes Syndrome.” Say yes to as many things as possible.”
Why did you choose to come to KU?
When I was deciding on school, I knew I wanted to leave home, try something new and be independent. I also knew that I wanted to do physical therapy after graduation. My mom made me apply to KU – I really didn’t want to, but I did it anyway. I got in, and I got to the school and I loved it. I had everything I was looking for and more. It has a good Jewish population, a good sports team, and an Honors Program – the rest is history!
Now that you’re a senior, how would you sum up your college experience?
College has been fun. I’ve learned a lot about being on my own and being independent really far away from family. I’m really glad that I’ve been involved in Hillel and have made really great Jewish friends. I’ve gotten a great education, I’ve grown a lot as a person, and I’ve had really great opportunities that I don’t think I would’ve had elsewhere.
How did you get involved with Hillel?
I was really involved in high school youth groups, and I had a lot of Jewish friends growing up. I knew that that was something I wanted to continue in college, especially because I was on my own and becoming a young adult Jew. I knew Hillel would be a good way to meet people – I didn’t know anyone here when I started school. I thought Hillel was a good way to keep up with my Judaism while also having that social aspect.
After my freshman year, I started an internship with Hillel and have had one with them up until now. My role in Hillel has kind of changed over the years. I’ve done a lot with engagement and planning programs. Now, I’m on the Strategic Team. I also went on Birthright through Hillel. There have just been a lot of opportunities that I didn’t even know existed or that I would have wanted to participate in before.
What’s your all-time favorite Hillel memory?
There’ve been a lot, but I think it’s Bagels and Basketball during my sophomore year. Everyone was watching the game and there were a bunch of snacks and food and good stuff. It was fun to see everyone together and all the different age groups interacting and having a fun time.
What’s your favorite holiday to spend with KU Hillel?
I really enjoy Shabbat, and I like that it provides a separation between the business of the week and the weekend, which is just a nice time to relax and be with friends. I think that’s a lot of what Judaism is about – being with the people that you care about and who care about you.
I also like the way Hillel does the High Holidays is great. It gives a way for people who aren’t so involved to get involved. I think that people get a lot of value out of Rosh Hashanah services, especially this year when COVID is changing a lot of things.
What advice would you give to an incoming Jewish freshman?
Get as involved as possible and have the “Yes Syndrome.” Say yes to as many things as possible. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and say, “Yes, I’m going to Hillel.” Try to put yourself out there, meet new people and be involved – it will help later on.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Reported by Sam Kricsfeld, KU Hillel Intern
