My name is Melanie Ross and I am a fourth-year Communication major and Jewish Studies minor. Throughout my life, I had been fascinated by my Jewish upbringing, as well as the traditions and history of the Jewish people. I had decided to pursue the Jewish studies minor after studying abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where I took a variety of interesting courses pertaining to Judaism, Hebrew, and other religions. I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses taught at UCSB pertaining to the minor. As a result of these courses, I have learned not only about my Jewish background, but about other fascinating faiths and cultures around the world.