Q: What did you do straight after high school, and what do you do now?
A: I went to USC and graduated in 2005.  I then moved to New York, where I worked on Wall Street for Fitch Ratings, a bond-rating agency, where I covered Media & Entertainment Companies. Three years ago I moved to Silicon Valley and founded Tutorspree, which is a startup tutoring agency with over 5,000 tutors across the country. We match students with their perfect tutor through a matching algorithm, for private, in-person tutoring. Our tutors help with everything from reading comprehension, to AP Physics, to accounting, and computer programming.
We have 10 employees and we’re based out of Manhattan.  I am also a CFA Charterholder — the CFA is a 3-part exam, given once a year, that covers finance, economics, portfolio management, and a whole bunch of other finance-related topics.

Q: What is your fondest/funniest memory from your time at Shalhevet?
A: I don’t have just one memory. My entire experience was wonderful. When I look back at those four years, I just think of a positive and happy time.

Q: How has Shalhevet influenced you, even after graduation?
A: Shalhevet has given me a very strong Jewish identity, and it provided me with a really great moral framework. Those were the backbone of my Shalhevet education.

Q: If you could plan a Town Hall for current students, what would the topic be?   
A: I would discuss what Shalhevet is doing to promote technology-based education in the classroom.

Q:What is the main lesson you learned from your time at Shalhevet?
A: I learned that it is important to treat your fellow students and teachers with respect. I also learned that you can accomplish a lot more in high school than most people think. Shalhevet also taught me to work hard without taking life so seriously.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
A: I really loved all of my teachers, but Mr. [Michael] Petrella’s AP US class definitely comes to mind.

Q: When someone says “Shalhevet,” what is the first word that comes to mind?
A: Happiness.

Q: If you could give your high school self some advice, what would it be?
A: I would tell myself to work hard, but to remember that the path you take and the college you go to do not define the future.  I would also make sure to keep my high school friendships.

Q: If you could start one club, team orco-curricular at Shalhevet for current students, what would you start and why?
A: I would start an entrepreneurship club. I think that you are never too young to be an entrepreneur, and it’s a good skill that leads to many interesting conversations and ideas.

Q: Sum up your Shalhevet experience in three words or less
A: Always laughing, fun.

Q: Describe the role of Judaism in your life now in one sentence.  
A: Judaism is a very important part of my life, and I feel like it gives me a sense of community and purpose.
                                                                                                 -Jacob Ellenhorn, Former Co-Editor-in-Chief

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Related: Andy Green ’02: Dedicating his life to sharing Judaism

Related: Danielle Rohatiner ’03: A passion to teacher