Leaving Yeshiva was a big decision.
Deciding to study engineering in a university was also a big decision.
Understanding the issues I was about to face in my new surroundings did not let me sleep easily at night.
How would I remain firm in my yiddishkeit?
How would I gain the good and not have my ruchnius affected by my new surroundings?
I would no longer have the support of my Rebbeim or of my friends around me learning all day and would have to rely on myself to try maintain the level I had attained in yeshiva.
Just like the Yidden in Mitzrayim who retained their names, clothing and language; I needed some way to create a reminder for myself of where I came from and where I wanted to be.
I built my arsenal including maintaining my way of dress and maintaining a chavrusa every day, and making sure that I took an active role in my community activities.
Boruch Hashem it worked and I was able to earn myself a degree in engineering and maintain and grow in my Yiddishkeit in those years too.
Like Yaakov Avinu in the house of Lavan – we work and are active in the wide world but we need to maintain our identity so that we can grow in our Yiddishkeit.
