Seniors Dive into Independent Study

By Rose Berman ‘25
Over their first and last semester at Golda Och Academy, all seniors are required to engage in a research study on a topic of their choice and conduct a presentation to the greater community.

The intention behind Independent Senior Study (ISP) is for upcoming college freshmen to learn the type of research skills needed for the next four years. ISP is an intriguing subject to segway from regular classroom learning to individualized research during senior year.
Senior mentors guide students throughout the process by helping develop ideas as well as making sure students are on track with their studies. 
For the first few classes of the semester, ISP advisor Mr. Langer, who thinks the class is a “fabulous gift to our seniors,” engaged his class in thought-provoking exercises to spark ideas. 
Langer said, “The independent study project is almost entirely student-driven. I tell the seniors in my room that I am not their teacher, I am their advisor here to help. They choose the topics that they research and they choose the project they will create.”
Senior Aly Biloon shared her enthusiasm for the course, stating she is, “so excited to learn in great depth about a topic of my choice.” Since then, she has decided she will be pursuing her studies on the effects summer camp has on a child’s growing identity. 
Meanwhile, Senior Nomi Harosh is researching the mental health effects of epilepsy on teenagers. She explained, “My primary goal is to create an empathetic community that recognizes and understands the emotional challenges faced by those affected.”
She later added, “I am grateful that Golda Och Academy offers this course, as it provides a solid foundation for college-level research and promotes interdisciplinary thinking.” After completing this project, she feels her understanding of mental health advocacy will deepen and she will be equipped with the skills needed to effectively support individuals in her community.
The ISP program not only fosters academic growth but also encourages personal development. Students learn to manage their time effectively, seek out resources and develop a sense of independence that will be crucial in their future academic and professional endeavors. 
This is especially helpful in preparation for the senior Neshama trip, one of the students’ first tastes of independence before going off to college next year.