They may take my student card, but they'll never take my curiousity.

It occurred to me today – in the fifth week of my third and final year – that Bar Ilan won’t always be a part of my life.

Ok, allow me to rephrase: I won’t always be a registered student.

The only time I haven’t been a registered student – since the early 80s – was the year I made aliyah, and I felt a definite lacking.

As much as I complain about the hassle, let’s face it: Being a student is a part of who I am. I love learning. I’m always curious. I grew up on PBS. To this day, I watch documentaries about anything – fertility treatment, the Big Bang, ancient Rome – in my free time.

So this year of studies probably won’t mark the end of my student career. I think my student status – even sans student card – will carry on for life. Curiousity is my life sentence, and I embrace it every day. I already have plans for the next phase of formal education, though I may hold off for a year or so.

But there’s no reason for me to worry; I’ll continue learning past Bar Ilan. It’ll just be – let’s hope – with less hassle.