Technion student reservist Nitzan Hay’s outlook on the future is grounded in optimism and resilience. “I think that choosing to live, choosing to wake up every single morning and still come to campus and still learn and still study and get married is the biggest thing we can do as the Jewish nation, as the Israeli nation,” she reflected. “We’re here forever.”

Nitzan and her husband got married amidst the early chaos of the war with Hamas while both serving in the reserves. Though they couldn’t live together at first, they eventually found time to reunite, juggling early mornings and long hours to squeeze in valuable moments before returning to their different IDF bases. Today, her husband continues his mandatory military service while Nitzan pursues her degree.

Now a second-year undergraduate in the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Nitzan hopes to work in the food sector upon graduating. She chose to study at the Technion due to its prestigious standing. “There are a few universities that offer my major here in Israel, but the Technion has by far the best reputation, and they prove themselves,” she said. “The faculty and students are amazing. I go into lectures and my mind is blown.”

Through it all, the Technion and its faculty have been pillars of support for Nitzan and the other student reservists. “They know students on a first name basis and they’re so kind,” she shared. Her faculty has even appointed a designated staff member who is available around the clock to assist with any needs. Nitzan has also been given extra time to retake exams and transition into her next courses, accommodating the substantial time missed during reserve duty. “Even if I do get called up again, I know that everyone here is going to do their absolute best to help me. Just having that knowledge is very much relieving.”