Adam Klein, Class of 2002, Stanford University

When I first came to what was then the Jewish Day School of the North Peninsula in the middle of third grade, I was loud, obnoxious, and my mom would say that I needed “an off button.” The next two and a half years were likely the most formative in my life. I had come to the Day School looking for more of a challenge in math, reading, and writing, and I certainly found that, but what I also encountered was a challenge to better myself as a person. I did not just learn the different base systems in math or how to structure a 5-paragraph essay, I also learned how to learn, to keep an open mind, try new things, to ask questions and to assert myself with conviction, but humility as well. Through my Jewish studies, I learned that it is not just ok, but encouraged to question my own beliefs and then decide for myself how to best perform mitzvot. In 5th grade at the Day School, after the September 11th attacks, I began questioning my own faith more deeply, wondering how anyone in the world could ever use God to justify such immense hate and brutal violence. My questioning solidified my own morals and convictions in the ideas of sharing, love, peace, and community. The importance of community was always present at the Day School; I would even consider it a family.

Students at the day school are encouraged to work together and play together, so over time I learned that I could not, nor should not, try to do everything on my own. In 5th grade, in my class with Robin Simke, this learning was solidified, as she and my classmates helped me understand that you can accomplish so much more in life when you work as a team and contribute to your community. In that year, I was elected the President of the student council, an experience that honed my leadership skills that led to future opportunities to lead, including as President of my middle school, my high school, and now my dorm at Stanford. If I had never come to the JDS, I would never have learned the importance of community and teamwork, without which I never could have been the leader I wanted to be. While I can’t say that I am no longer loud, and I may still be obnoxious at times, in my time at the Day School, I most certainly found that off button, and replaced it with the ability to understand and appreciate others and their needs. The Day School transformed me into a much more giving, caring, cooperative, and compassionate person, and those are the most important lessons I have ever learned. 

--Adam Klein Ronald C. Wornick Day School Class of 2002