When I was on the Manchester J-Soc committee in my first year, I went on UJS Summit and found an organisation that was Jewish, pluralist, peer lead, Zionist and activist — the same characteristics of another organisation that means a lot to me.

 I found an organisation that, at the time, I felt like I could work for. However, I never intended to work for UJS. It was an accident. But the past year has, without a doubt, been the best accident I could have ever imagined. UJS took a chance on me and whilst I didn’t know that much about or feel that much towards the organisation when I first started; I can’t thank UJS enough for what it has given me over the past year.

The past year with UJS has been so much more than I expected. The responsibilities that I have had have been unlike any other that a new graduate would be given in their first job out of university. I have met some amazing people over the course of the year and made some great friends. The year has flown by and it’s quite sad to think that it is coming to a close. From the Burns Ball to bagel lunches and interfaith week to NUS Conference. This year has been filled with so many different experiences and opportunities that I simply wouldn’t have had anywhere else. I have learned so much about myself as a result of this job and can’t recommend it highly enough.

People often say that a job isn’t a job if you enjoy doing it, that could not be truer of this past year. Every day has provided me with different challenges and opportunities to do good within our community and everyday I have been inspired by the people that I have met and the people I work with. The UJS office is an amazing place to work and I have had such a great time with everyone. The year has been filled with lots of laughter and even more complaining about our ever increasing hunger levels and the oppressive heat. Working for UJS may have been an accident initially, but I’m going to miss it a lot and I can’t wait to hear about all the great things that the organisation is doing in the future. I want to wish a massive mazel tov again to Josh Holt on his election (I’m aware it was a while ago) and good luck to Kathryn, Grace, Dan, Sam and Rebecca as well as those of the team staying on for a second year — I know you're going to have another excellent year!

James Graham

J-Soc Officer 2016-17