Balancing Academics, Passions, and Success: Jesse Zilberman’s Inspiring Journey
AHS Class of 2014, UF Class of 2018

The journey from high school to professional success is as unique as it is inspiring. For one proud alumnus of American Heritage Schools, Jesse Zilberman, Class of 2014, the experiences and lessons learned during his time at the Palm Beach campus laid the foundation for a thriving career and a balanced, fulfilling life. Graduating from the University of Florida with honors in Chemical Engineering, he exemplifies the resilience, curiosity, and adaptability fostered during his years at Heritage. In a recent conversation, he shared his reflections on his path, the memories that shaped him, and advice for students navigating their own journeys.

Building a Foundation at American Heritage

During his years at Heritage, he focused intensely on academics while participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities. A standout member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society, he described the club’s pivotal role in shaping his love of math: "One of my most memorable experiences was when our team won a trophy at a Mu Alpha Theta event during my senior year. It was the culmination of four years of effort and a moment that proved to us that we could achieve just as much as our peers at the Plantation campus. That moment played a significant role in my decision to pursue Chemical Engineering in college."

Beyond math competitions, he was involved in the Jewish Cultural Awareness Club, Philosophy Club, Ultimate Frisbee, NHS, and even played basketball and JV soccer as a freshman. This diverse involvement taught him invaluable lessons about balance: "The best skill I learned at Heritage was how to maintain balance in life. Juggling a grueling academic schedule with extracurriculars helped me handle challenges efficiently while still making time for myself and my loved ones."

Transitioning from College to Career

After excelling academically at UF and being part of prestigious organizations like the Florida Blue Key Honor Society, he made a bold decision to shift career paths from engineering to SaaS (Software as a Service) technologies. Reflecting on the challenge, he noted: "It wasn’t easy to pivot careers after college. Although I enjoyed the challenge of my degree, I realized it wasn’t my passion. My time at Heritage taught me to embrace challenges and adapt, which made the transition possible."

Now, Jesse is working in Customer Success at a SaaS company, Reltio, a software provider that offers a data management platform for enterprises to help organizations manage and integrate their data from various sources, providing a unified view of their data assets. The platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify relationships between data entities and create a network of connected data. He finds joy in a role that combines technical expertise with interpersonal connections. He credits Heritage for instilling a growth mindset: "At Heritage, I was always up for a challenge. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to push me to grow in my career."

Life Beyond Work

Outside of work, he leads a rich and balanced life in Aventura, FL, with his wife, enjoying hobbies like traveling, reading, attending Heat games, and even ballroom dancing. He also prioritizes giving back, staying actively involved in the Chabad community and supporting causes close to his heart, such as the UF/Gainesville Chabad.

Advice for Students and Graduates

For current students facing challenges, he offers this advice: "Stop, reflect, show gratitude, and make decisions with a clear head. It’s important to focus on what you can control and do it well." For recent graduates, he adds: "Find a job that rewards good work, and then do good work. Avoid comparing yourself to others on social media—compare yourself to who you were yesterday and strive for progress."

Looking Ahead

With goals to grow professionally, start a family, and continue learning new languages, this alumnus is a shining example of how Heritage prepares its students for lifelong success. His journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges, pursuing passions, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional growth. "American Heritage played a crucial role in preparing me for life’s opportunities and challenges," he says. "The school’s focus on academic excellence, leadership, and innovation ensures that the next generation is ready to tackle a rapidly changing world." As we celebrate his success, we are reminded of the transformative power of a Heritage education and the limitless potential of its graduates.