My name is Michael and I come from the city of Ariel. I am 13 years old, this year I was in the Arava group.

I like it here in the village; this village is good for me. At the beginning of the year, I didn't get along so well with my peers. Now I have good relationships with almost everyone.

I had a lot of fun this year when we took a trip to the swimming pool, when we went on a field trip with the school, to the Mini Israel Park. It was a lot of fun.

I take part in many activities - ceramics, gym class, drums. I like the ceramics class the best. It calms me down. It feels good. This year I made a clay shoe, cups and masks.

My friends in the group are great. We are very good friends.

The best part of my day is the school. I love to study. My favorite professions are Mathematics and Science.

This year I took part in the Bar Mitzvah program. I flew to Eilat with all the Bar Mitzvah boys - we went to the 'kings' city', watched a 3D movie and visited the Dolphins' Reef. It was my first time in Eilat.

My family came to visit me at Ben Yakir during a special Bar Mitzvah Shabbat and also at the Bar Mitzvah celebration. They were excited to see me perform on stage and cooperate nicely.

The person I feel influenced me the most this year is my counselor Oded. At the beginning of the year I would get in trouble often, and I feel I made a huge step to a different level throughout the year. Oded taught me how to get along with everyone.

I wish to myself for next year, that Oded will continue to be my counselor, that I will do well in school, and that my friends will advance and succeed.