My name is Gabi. I am 15 and live in Jerusalem. This is my second year at Ben Yakir.
This year was a great year. I had good counselors. The year went by really fast.
This year was much easier - I got adapted. I knew more.

 Activities that I remember especially - we had an activity at my teacher's house.  we rode horses at her place. I also remember the field trip we took with school. We went to the Tnuva factory. It was a lot of fun.

My group, the Hadas Group, was great. I had a lot of friends from last year. I felt that everyone matured; it was better and easier to talk to them. Our behavior has improved greatly since last year. Our conversations became deeper, more serious, as we grew up.

Another good experience I remember is when they took us, the choir members, to a special evening of bowling and fun to thank us for the year. It was fun, an evening of great atmosphere and good friends.
This year I took part in many activities. We have a new computer class. In addition, I was a part of the gym class, ceramics, organ, drums, choir and capoire. My favorite is the organ class - I feel connected to this instrument. I love the musical pieces. It is easy for me to play.

When I succeed in playing a new piece, I love to brag about it. I invite my counselors and play for them.
I love spending time in the animal farm. At the middle of the year I was elected to be an animal farm trustee - in charge of the sheep.

I love riding the horses. I love to do canter (fast trot). To learn different types of riding. We ride with the horse. Take care of it.

When I am on a horse, I feel in heaven. 
 
A moment I will remember from this year - when I made up with a good friend from Ben Yakir. Last summer we had an argument, and before that we were best friends. We did not speak to each other almost all year long. And suddenly, towards the end of the year , he began to laugh with me and talk to me. And then we made up. I was excited. I am glad that I got him back as my friend.

The person that influenced me the most this year, is Michal, my therapist in the Elbaum method. She worked with me on willpower. Through physical excersice, I learned how not to break down even in tough situations and deal with them. I feel that it effects my life - when I am in a hard spot, I sometimes suffer, but I don't give up.

The volunteer in my group also invested a lot in me this year. She helped me out when I was sad. She was there when things got hard at home and in the neighborhood, with my famiy. I consolted with her many times and it helped.

For next year, I wish my friends and me that we will grow up and mature more. That we will not get in trouble and be good kids.

I hope that next year will be as good as this one and will move fast as this year did.