My name is Tse'ela Shmuely; I am 26 years old, born in Afula and currently live in Haifa.

Four years ago, I spent a year as a shaliach (Young Emissary) in Worcester, Massachusetts as part of the Young Emissaries project for Partnership 2000.

When I returned to Israel in 2003, I began working as a youth coordinator for the youth department of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council at Kibbutz Sarid.

After being there for one and a half years, I began studying psychology and communications at Haifa University.

Like many students, I worked at a number of jobs to pay my tuition and living expenses such as being a research assistant at the university, waitressing and tutoring.

At the end of my second year, I moved to Haifa.

I am about to complete my final year and still working in research at the university.

This year I have specialized in serving as a university spokesperson after having participated in a course run by the university.

In addition I am about to finish a year's tutoring of a student with learning disabilities.

I also participated in a project called "Perach" that helps high school students get through their matriculation exams.

In the years since I went on shlichut, my family and I have remained in touch with the host families that I met in the States and they have been to visit Israel, especially our region.

I hope to start working in the coming year in one of my fields of study after which I expect to begin my studies for a Masters degree in psychology.