For so long I’ve said I was ethically a vegetarian but practically lived as a carnivore. The latter has been so much more pragmatic, not to mention tastier. After all, 1 a.m. salads at Taco Bell don’t sound nearly as enticing as three beef crunch wraps. 

One thing at least that coming to Israel has helped put into perspective for me though is the realization that the realm of dieting isn’t reserved for quick weight loss schemes. For thousands of years, it’s been an idea seeped in spirituality, sacrifice and self-discovery. I’ve resolved that I want to live by the morals I supposedly cherish, and for me, that means giving up meat. 

I wanted to share this because I personally believe we could all do a better job of becoming the people we want to be. I know it’s hard in the middle of chaotic MHS life to really think about yourself and your identity, but I recommend giving it a chance. 

Over these last four years, I’ve grown from a mid-pubescent tween into an adult who’s about to go to college, and I find myself asking if I’m currently the person who I’d be happy to let serve as the foundation to my adult life. The person you are when you finish high school could very well be the same person that decides your college major, the partner you marry, the place you live and the career you make. 

So to sum up my thoughts: would you like to share some teriyaki tofu with me?