While it may feel discouraging at first to walk out of an election without a position, it can actually be a sign to get even more involved! Recently, I ran for chapter Mazkirah and thought I had it in the bag after serving as Chapter MIT Mom the year before, yet I left feeling disappointed as the votes weren’t in my favor. I had registered for CLTC, hoping to go and learn more about chapter leadership, but I didn’t want to attend anymore, feeling like I would be the only one without a position. I persevered through it, and I learned an even more valuable lesson. A position isn’t the end all be all – in fact, not having a position can open you up to even more opportunities you wouldn’t have had time for in the first place! After being on a Shabbat Oneg’s CLN this summer, I was inspired to apply for IC Steering, and I found out I was selected! 

Additionally, I did Summer Press Corps, and now I’m serving on Press Corps for the entire year, getting to do something I’m passionate about: writing. Even without the position, I’m still involved in my chapter, acting as a mentor to younger members, assisting the new board with tasks I did last year, and still helping to recruit members. Whereas last year, I was too busy with chapter board meetings to be more involved regionally, I now have time to steer conventions and apply for the RLN. Take this as a sign to get involved, for being part of these committees can be really rewarding. It introduces you to people and gives you skills you can use in your chapter, school, or community.