Pick Capers and Go Skydiving
November 29, 2023
Writer: Lily Lev
Editor: Natalia Pinto
At age four, my dad promised me that once I turned 18, we would go skydiving together. I am still unsure about how that wish originated, but I am nonetheless impressed that we each remembered 14 years later. Sure enough, a month into adulthood my dad and I were crouched on the floor of a mini airplane, experiencing every second of the 15-minute ride up to the 10,000-foot jumping altitude. Given that I was closer to the door, I was first to jump (with the help of the instructors strapped to my back). I turned back to my dad, who sent me an encouraging nod and two words of wisdom: Al Tirah, the Hebrew phrase for “have no fear.”
This summer, as I boarded a plane to Greece with my best friend, I reminded myself of that same small phrase. We were on our way to pick capers for two weeks on a farm on the island of Paros. Not only had I not known what capers were — they are the small, green circular plants people eat on their bagels, for those who share my unfamiliarity — but I was also traveling alone out of the country for the first time, going to stay with a host family who I had never met before, and visiting a country that spoke a language I had no proficiency in. My friend and I were volunteering with an organization called WWOOF (worldwide work on organic farms) where, in exchange for five hours of work per day, we received free housing and meals. The two weeks we spent on the farm were unlike any traditional vacation experience I’ve had; I got to immerse myself in Greek culture by staying with a host family, learning about agriculture and farming techniques, spending the entire day outside exploring the island, and navigating a new country.
As students at the University of Michigan, we are all well-versed in hard work and the importance of thinking about our futures. But what about prioritizing fun? Having a balance is important, but in my experience, many of the people in my life (myself included) tend to tilt too far towards the work and school side of the equilibrium rather than the experiences that they will cherish and tell their kids about someday.
I often find myself getting settled into mundane moments and living my days on repeat. 7:40 am alarm. Gym. Breakfast. Class. Club. Homework. 7:40 am alarm... So whenever I notice that I am getting into a rut or questioning if I should try something new, I remind myself Al Tirah. Anytime I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I have felt exponentially more fulfilled than if I had not taken the risk or tried the new experience. And this doesn’t only apply to larger scale excursions like skydiving or farming in a new country: looking forward to the smaller joys in life can help break the feeling of being stuck in routine. This could be as simple as going on a walk, cooking a new meal for dinner, or dancing around an empty room with your friend. All of these moments create a montage of our lives, and I hope to rewatch mine and be proud of how I spent it.
When I am 80 years old, what am I going to look back on and remember more: getting an A on a chemistry exam or farming in Greece with my best friend?
Find your airplane to jump from, your caper farm to work on, and your random Wednesday night dance party.
Image: Julia Bonnano
