Meet Michael Poreda of Jersey City. Michael's traveled with us as an all-star participant to Thailand in 2013 and Nicaragua in 2014. Plus, he recently joined us as a Madrich (assistant staff member) on our first-ever Spring Break trip to Nica this past March. When he's not traveling the world with Justifi, Michael is a lawyer and enjoys theatre and improv in NYC.
What is your favorite memory from your Justifi trips?
One of my favorite Justifi memories is rappelling down a waterfall in Nicaragua. I’m terrified of heights, and the fact that I was able to do this (and have a great time doing it) was a revelation.
HOW ELSE DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
I’m a lawyer. I used to teach U.S. history at a high school in New Jersey. I love yoga, improv (you can see me perform every Saturday night in January at the Magnet Theater), and my job.
My current position as a judge’s law clerk ends in summer 2015, at which point I am hoping to take some time to travel extensively through Southeast Asia.
What's the big dream? What would you like to aim for if nothing were holding you back?
My dream job is to be a judge. Right now, I’m working to create a self-sustaining Justifi Alumni Committee in New York that will plan ongoing service, educational, inspirational, and religious events.
We're also very grateful to Michael for being one of the founding members (and most active members) of Justifi's Alumni Steering Committee in New York City. He's helped organize fundraisers, Jewish cultural events, and just some darned-good times for our 150+ alumni in the greater New York area. Thanks Michael!
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