A Day in the Life of a Hopkins Hillel Student

To say what Cameron Fields does in a day would be difficult to summarize. An accomplished student at Johns Hopkins University, Cameron holds multiple leadership roles, actively participates in her sorority, and volunteers with the campus’ EMT organization all while pursuing a degree in public health studies.

Yet it is Cameron’s involvement with Hopkins Hillel which she cherishes dearly. We sat down with Cameron to learn more about her, just how much Hillel defined her Hopkins experience and what a day in the life is for this busy college senior.

The Search for Jewish Life on Campus

When Cameron started looking for colleges, finding a Jewish community that felt like home was at the top of her list. Coming from Ocean Township, NJ, Cameron was used to a strong Jewish community.

“When I was looking at colleges, finding an active Hillel was very important to me. I actually contacted someone I knew who went to Hopkins, and she explained to me that the Hillel atmosphere was very family-like. And that was exactly what I wanted.”

“When I came to campus my freshman year, it was a no-brainer by the end of orientation week that I made the right choice.”

From the get-go, Cameron came to Hillel every day and began volunteering. She started out as the Shabbat and Holidays Chairperson, then became the freshman engagement chair for FYSHH (First Year Students at Hopkins Hillel). Today, she serves as the president of the Hillel student board, a board she has been a part of for three years.

Cameron Fields with fellow Hillel members on the Johns Hopkins campus

A Day in the Life of Hopkins Hillel

Every day is a little different for Cameron. But one day that stands out to her is Monday. And it all starts with minyan.

“I start my day by going to morning minyan. ‘Minyan Monday’ is my thing.

After minyan, Cameron stays for breakfast, talking to people and catching up from the weekend. From there, she stops by Hopkins’ new student center for her favorite study spot. She enjoys the natural light there while sticking around for lunch. After that, it’s off to Hebrew class.

“I take advanced Hebrew now, actually,” Cameron explains. “Thankfully, it is in the Hillel building which is nice.”

After advanced Hebrew, Cameron hikes it across campus to one more class. When that is finished, she typically returns to Hillel a third time, this time to catch up with members of Hillel staff instead of students.

“I usually meet with a Hillel staff member every Monday. We do a check-in to discuss what the Hillel student board is planning and get feedback. It’s also a good chance for me to reach out if I need help.”

But Cameron’s time with Hillel is not yet over for the day. When she’s finished meeting with staff, she works the front desk.

“I sit at the front desk, let people in, answer the phone, help around if needed.”

Cameron admits it’s a good time to catch up on homework, but her favorite thing about her time at the front desk is it gives her yet another chance to interact with her friends and everyone else who stops by.

Cameron Fields with friends holding the Israel flag

The Power of Hillel

To have Cameron describe it, the Hopkins Hillel campus experience is welcoming first and foremost. Everyone is there to support each other.

“I have the best college experience I possibly could have. If I need anything at all, I can ask any of the Hillel staff members and they will help me in a heartbeat. I feel incredibly lucky.”

Cameron said she felt this especially after October 7, when Hillel became a place of refuge and support for any of the students who needed it. That The Associated was nearby ready to help at a moment’s notice made Cameron and her fellow students feel safe when other Jewish students across the country did not.

“The Associated was very proactive in coming to Hillel and making sure we were okay and talking to leadership.”

The Path Ahead

Cameron came to Hopkins with a very strong Jewish identity, she says. But her time at Hopkins Hillel only reinforced how important it was to her.

“I’ve grown and learned a lot about myself while at Hopkins and I’m definitely walking out of college much more secure in my Jewish identity, religiously and otherwise.”

But Cameron’s time at Hopkins is not over yet. While she will soon be earning her undergraduate degree, she will begin pursuing her Master’s Degree next year. And while her professional life may take her elsewhere, she knows, thanks in no small part to her time with Hillel, that she will always be doing something with Jewish life.

“I may not be working in the Jewish world after college, but I know I want to be very involved and stay active in it.”