At 19, Ahava Artzman Shares Her Inspiring Journey Beyond Rigid Schooling
At 19, Ahava Artzman shares her inspiring journey of overcoming educational hurdles, leaving rigid schools for self-discovery, and finding her true path in therapeutic riding.
At just 19 years old, Ahava Artzman has already navigated a profound journey of self-discovery, educational transitions, and a persistent struggle to preserve her mental well-being within a rigid institutional framework. In an emotional interview on the podcast "Hitnari" by the Hidabroot channel, she shared her remarkable life story—from the symbolic meaning behind her name given by her parents to the courageous decision to leave traditional schooling to save her soul.
During her childhood, Ahava studied in a small, nurturing school in Nof HaGalil, where she thrived socially and felt deeply cared for. However, transitioning to a boarding program at Ulpanat Meron in the ninth grade changed everything. The shift to a large, rigid environment, compounded by an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, made prolonged classroom attendance nearly impossible.
Seeking a sense of purpose and a place where she could breathe, Ahava moved to the "Regavim" ulpana in Gush Etzion, an agricultural framework where days begin at 5:00 AM with physical labor in fields and vineyards. Although the connection to the land offered vitality, systemic pressures and spiritual gaps took a heavy toll. The breaking point arrived when she realized she was engaged in a survival struggle for her mental health.
With extraordinary courage and the unwavering support of her parents, she chose to close that chapter. Instead of chasing standard diplomas, she bought a plane ticket to Uman for a week of introspection. Her journey later included various midrashot and a year of national service in a kindergarten, where she experienced genuine meaning and belonging.
Today, as she studies therapeutic horseback riding and approaches certification as an instructor, Ahava delivers a crucial message to parents and educators: the issue often lies not with the child, but with fitting the framework. Acceptance, understanding, and validating a child's true talents are the keys to growth.
