Gaining Experience
Rusal Kharel and his family immigrated to the United States from Nepal when he was 9. After graduating from Dunwoody High School, Rusal began his storied tenure at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta as a trolley driver at Camp Isidore Alterman, shuttling campers, counselors, and administrators across the large campus. “I loved it,” he recalls, “the JCC is such a warm, welcoming place. I made a lot of friends and wanted to do more, so I stayed on.”
Rusal Kharel and his family immigrated to the United States from Nepal when he was 9. After graduating from Dunwoody High School, Rusal began his storied tenure at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta as a trolley driver at Camp Isidore Alterman, shuttling campers, counselors, and administrators across the large campus. “I loved it,” he recalls, “the JCC is such a warm, welcoming place. I made a lot of friends and wanted to do more, so I stayed on.”
Over the years, Rusal found himself in a variety of roles and departments including security, membership, fitness and coaching, Club J after-school care, and customer service. At times, he chose to simultaneously work in up to three different roles and could often be found around the Zaban Park Campus seven days each week to maximize his effect on the community. “I’ve been engaged in every aspect of the JCC, professionally and socially,” he shares.
Rusal feels that the Marcus JCC provides a familiar and warm environment regardless of a person’s background. When comparing his own family’s culture with that of the Jewish community, he specifies, “both prioritize strong family and community bonds, placing a significant emphasis on relationships. These shared values create a sense of connection in my interactions with the Jewish community. Everyone is inclusive, giving, and takes care of each other.” Rusal says that sometimes, he feels like he’s become an “honorary” member of the Jewish tribe. “95% of my current friends are from my JCC connections. I’ve been invited to Jewish holidays, b’nai mitzvot, weddings. They celebrate life and want me to be part of it!”
He also admits that he fell in love at the Marcus JCC – with sales – while working in the membership office. “It taught me so much and created a career for me. School wasn’t for me, but the Marcus JCC gave me a home and guided me through life with skills I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom.” Rusal believes his various positions taught him how to overcome obstacles, remain composed when under pressure, navigate new situations, build connections with the community, and bring happiness to those around him. “The Marcus JCC is my teacher,” he declares. “It let me explore different aspects of different jobs, helped me grow into the person I’ve become, and taught me how to be successful. It was a mock trial of life for me.”
Rusal says his decision to resign from his full-time Marcus JCC position to pursue corporate recruiting has been difficult, “because the JCC feels like a second home – but I wanted to apply the skills I acquired and explore something new.” That said, you can still find Rusal working part-time for the Marcus JCC security team, and he often assists with the growing pickleball program. “I find it challenging to completely detach,” he admits, “[the Marcus JCC] impacts so many people’s lives.”
The Marcus JCC gave me a home and guided me through life with skills I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom.