It’s that time of year where we say goodbye to the last 12 months and welcome in a brand-new year. We reflect on the experiences we’ve had, the people we’ve met, and the people we have become. With the new year, we set new goals for ourselves. Whether it is something small like finally going to the gym or spending less time procrastinating, or something big like how we can be a better version of ourselves, we continue to look for ways to improve. New year’s goals can be difficult to reach. Yes, some goals we set have very clear routes to being completed. If my goal is to go to the gym, then obviously I need to pause Netflix and go to the gym. However, not all goals are this clear cut. The road to reaching our goals can be full of obstacles, but the reward of reaching our goals are well worth it. 

As we kick off 2019, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming year. What are your goals for 2019? Share them over the next two weeks using the #SpringboardGoals2019 for a chance to win a Springboard Swag bag.   

One of my goals is to help every teen in the Chicagoland area find a place where they can take steps to reaching their own goals. I could provide an endless list of all the incredible programs, leadership opportunities and ways to develop new skills (Don’t worry a list like that will be out soon!) but instead, I’ve highlighted ways the Jewish community can support you in following through on your resolutions and having an incredible year!   

Make New Friends by joining a youth group: The Chicagoland area is fortunate to be home to a handful of amazing and engaging youth groups. These groups meet routinely and provide leadership opportunities, dynamic programming, and the chance to meet phenomenal new friends.  

Learn a New Language with Hebrew in the High: Did you know that Illinois has the most public schools out of any state that offer students the opportunity to study Hebrew?  11 Hebrew in the High Ambassadors are working to improve their public schools’ Hebrew programs and can help you connect with the unique opportunity to take Hebrew at your school.  

Travel with a Springboard School Break : Want to go somewhere new but only have a few days- or limited funds- to travel? Springboard School Break has 5 upcoming trips ranging 4-5 days. Travel to New York City (Feb 14-18) or St. Louis (Feb 15-19), explore Midwest colleges with your peers (March 24-28), BreakAway at Camp Chi (March 24-28) or take a take an interfaith journey through historic civil rights sights (April 14-17). 

Explore Some Place New This Summer : Ready to a real adventure? Travel the world or check out a new camp. There are a multitude of options to choose from!  

Make a Difference in our Community: Our community is filled with dozens of opportunities to volunteer and give back in both the Jewish community and the greater Chicagoland area. 

Spend More Time Outside: Spend your spring break enjoying an Outdoor Adventure or enjoy some fun in the sun this summer with new friends camp.  

Develop new skills with Internships and Fellowships: Ready to take your skills to the next level? Through internships and fellowships, you can develop leadership skills and other great qualities.  

Find the perfect Jewish opportunity for you - Meet with a Teen Engagement Specialist: Have questions about how you can get involved? Set up a meeting with one of our Teen Engagement Specialists! We will work with you to better understand your goals and connect you to right activities.  

Be sure to check out Springboard’s Community Calendar to see all of the amazing events coming up in the near future!  

Eric Golberg is a TES. You can learn more about him  here. Also don’t forget to follow Springboard at  SpringboardChicago on instagram!