Fairfax, Virginia | 2005–2009
In 2005, my family relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, following my mother’s transfer to the Pentagon. My sister and I attended Gesher Jewish Day School, initially located within the Jewish Community Center before moving into its own building. Although my family was largely secular, the school introduced me to Jewish traditions and the Hebrew language, which I studied daily alongside my general education.
Throughout elementary school, my parents encouraged us to explore a wide variety of interests, including gymnastics, ballet, soccer, guitar, swimming, and ice skating. I particularly enjoyed swimming and ice skating, eventually continuing competitive swimming through high school. My parents emphasized the importance of honoring commitments while allowing us the freedom to discover which activities we genuinely enjoyed.
During these years, my parents also divorced, resulting in several moves between homes within the same area. Despite these changes, Fairfax remained the setting for much of my early education, exploration, and childhood development.