Meet this week’s campus celebrity, Inbar Lev! Inbar is a sophomore who devotes tons of her time supporting Israel and Judaism on campus. Inbar is the president of two – that’s right, two – clubs on campus, I-Lead and Jewish Greek Council. In addition to these two fabulous clubs, Inbar is involved with several other activities – you’ll have to read on to find out which ones! She somehow managed to find the time in her super busy schedule to talk to us. Here’s what she had to say:
Her Campus: What is the best part about being the president of these two clubs?Inbar Lev: Since both Judaism and Israel itself are huge identifying factors for me and a huge part of my life, being involved in both clubs is the best way to keep my identity within a large school. The best part of being a president for both I-Lead and JGC is seeing the different ways the boards and the clubs themselves interact in comparison. Both boards have such different dynamics, and working with each individual to make the specific club prosper is amazing.
HC: What is the most difficult aspect of being the president of two clubs?IL: Time management. Being this busy is great in keeping a set schedule and making sure I get everything done, but it makes it more difficult to have a flexible schedule. I cannot just meet with my boards whenever, since I have to coordinate according to when each can without conflicting with one another.
HC: What are some of your responsibilities for each club?IL: The responsibilities I have that are present in both clubs relate mostly to delegating responsibilities, making sure everyone is enjoying the board and the club, organizing the meeting times, and more. The most important part for me personally, regardless of the official responsibilities I need to have as president, is making sure people actually want to be a part of the club. I want my boards to always know why they’re doing what they are, and why we have the member base. To have successful clubs and organizations, you need to have passion, and it’s my personal job to make sure no one forgets their passion.
HC: What made you decide to become a part of these two clubs in the first place?IL: Judaism, Greek life, and Israel activities are basically the entire basis to my identity both on campus and everywhere else. I’ve always openly expressed my identity,as a Jewish Israeli-American, and Greek life became integrated into that. On campus, I realized not everyone feels comfortable with their identity or is even ashamed with it at certain times. Whether it’s when Israel is painted in a bad light on campus, or if they are part of a “non-Jewish” house, people often don’t show pride in who they are. I want to make sure everyone is always comfortable expressing his or her individuality, since learning how to has made me who I am today.
HC: Does I-Lead have any upcoming events that we should know about? When are they?IL: I-Lead is starting its weekly meetings back up this week, and is having a great event the following week, Wednesday January 28th, around 6:30pm with AMI.
HC: What about JGC? Anything pending right now?IL: JGC has not finalized event times, but definitely look out for information about Shabbat dinners, Purim parties, and more!
HC: What other activities are you involved in?
IL: I am part of Order of Omega, I am the StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, I’m in Pi Beta Phi, and soon the Golden Apple Awards.
HC: What advice do you have for any freshmen – or even upperclassmen – looking to get more involved?
IL: For all freshmen and upperclassmen, it’s never too late to get involved. I didn’t hear about I-Lead until the end of my freshmen year, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Always try new clubs, new events, and new mass meetings, because even if you don’t think you’ll enjoy it, it truly can’t hurt. I know it’s sometimes difficult or awkward to go out of your way to join a group, but in the long run you’ll have great memories and even better friends. If you’re interested in either I-Lead or Jewish Greek Council, you’re more than welcome to email me (elev@umich.edu) and we can go get coffee and talk about it!