Aviva Diamond
- From:
- Orlando, FL
- Age:
- 21
- College:
- Washington University, S. Louis, MO
- Major:
- Bachelor's in Business
- Career:
- Business Analyst in the Defense Industry
The Interview
Aviva, what's your Jewish story?
Both sides of my family are from Eastern Europe. My entire family is conservative, so that is how I was raised, and that is how I practice now. At school, I go to the Chabad at my campus for Shabbats and holidays.
How did you hear about The Podcast Fellowship?
I heard about The Podcast Fellowship through a friend of mine at Washington University. I met this friend while studying abroad in Israel and she told me about how much she enjoyed the fellowship. She then put me in touch with my mentor, Bexley (Lyss).
What was your reaction to the stipend offer?
It was great!! It is such a win-win. I get to talk and learn with my mentor and earn some cash. I recommend it to all my Jewish friends. It’s definitely a highlight of my week.
Would you theoretically have done TPF without the stipend?
If there was no stipend, I would have started the fellowship, but I don’t think I would have continued doing it for as long as I have now. The school year is a busy time and even though I love my podcast meetings, the stipend is a really helpful incentive to stay in the fellowship.
Tell us about your experience with TPF:
My mentor is Bexley Lyss and we meet in person once a week. Before our meetings I browse the podcast website and pick out a podcast that looks interesting to me. When we meet in person we speak about the podcast, and our thoughts on it. I find my discussions with my mentor to be very thoughtful and I appreciate the insight she gives me. It has also been so nice to get to know my mentor on a personal level! Bexley is the best!
Who is your favorite podcast speaker and/or topic?
My favorite podcast topics are the ones about personal growth, relationships, and ethics. Since I’m finishing college soon and will be entering the workforce following graduation, there are topics that are continuously on my mind, so I appreciate taking some time to think about them from a Jewish perspective.
How has TPF helped you grow as a Jew?
The fellowship has helped me in my Jewish growth by keeping me connected to my religion. Since I have weekly meetings with my mentor, I know that no matter what is going on in school, I have the time to connect with my Judaism for at least that time.
Where do you stand in your Jewish growth?
My religious level is conservative/traditional. I celebrate the holidays and Shabbat every week. Moving forward I want to learn more about the holidays and how to keep a Jewish home. I’m also learning Hebrew so want to continue that!
Thank you, Aviva! Can you sum up your experience with The Podcast Fellowship in one quote?
"The Podcast Fellowship has been an incredible way to learn and strengthen my connection to Judaism! I’m really grateful to my mentor for being such a great teacher."