Phoebe Coplin graduated from Boston University in 2023 with a B.A. in Economics. She transferred to BU at the start of junior year, shortly after returning from the Onward Israel program. The Onward Israel experience reignited her connection to Judaism and inspired her to deepen that connection through language. She saw the Hebrew offerings at BU as both a language course and, more importantly, a chance to continue exploring her Jewish identity. After graduation, she worked as Development Coordinator & Executive Assistant for The Vilna Shul in Boston, and continues studying Hebrew in her free time.
“Although I didn’t grow up deeply connected to my Judaism, my time in Boston and Israel helped me rediscover and strengthen that part of my identity. I ended up taking four semesters of Hebrew alongside my economics classes, and it was one of the most meaningful academic choices I made. Professor Angrist not only strengthened my understanding of the language, but also challenged and supported me as a student.
Learning a language as an adult is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. At Boston University, students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take four semesters of a language, and this became one of the most enriching parts of my education. Studying Hebrew not only strengthened my connection to Judaism and to Israel, but also allowed me to engage in learning that felt personal and meaningful. It offered a refreshing change of pace beyond the formulas and problem sets of my economics major.” – Phoebe Coplin