Polina Shaidenfish ’18
Where are you from?
I was born in Russia, but I’m from Israel. I lived in Israel since I was eight and then moved here three years ago. I’m kind of new.
Tell me about your experience in the IDF .
I was a combat soldier on the Egypt border. I did a little bit more than most of the girls do. It [her service] was two and a half years, when you have the option to do two years. And that’s it basically. We served with boys and girls together and we did everything that other combat soldiers do.
[So you learned how to use a gun?] A gun is like your best friend there. More than your best friend, like your baby. You have to carry it everywhere: in the shower, in the bed. You sleep with it. You can’t leave a gun alone.
If you could invite anyone in the world to a Shabbat dinner who would it be?
I would invite Yitzhak Rabin [fifth prime minister of Israel & peace activist who was assassinated in 1995] just because you know his day was not long ago. He was a cool guy.
What artist do you like recently?
Probably Rachel Platten. I know she’s coming to Towson. I already got tickets. [What songs is she known for?] So there’s a new song of hers Stand by You, and the Fight Song.
What is your spot in Israel?
The beach. I used to live on a beach. I used to live in Ashdod. The beach is my favorite spot. If I need to study, if I need to relax. [Studying at the beach??] I would bring notes with me and study. My school was ten minutes walking distance away from the beach so if a teacher is not coming or something you’ll find us at the beach.
Wait I like your nails!
I always do my nails. I can show you my pictures [here]. I’m a preschool teacher so I do crazy stuff: superheros…the kids love it. [What is your next nail painting going to be?] I have to tell you when I do my nails I just sit down on the floor, put some music on and do whatever comes.
