Oh, what a month it has been! September officially kicked off the 180° presidential tour. I officially dove into #joellestejlag on the longest plane I’ve ever been on, heading to CRW! From a successful Chapter Execs with funny mock legislation to attending multiple chapter meetings with 40 BBGs, trying IN-N-OUT Burger, and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in its full foggy pride. At a Regional Board dinner, I learned more about the region’s history and the leaders' plans for the next year. CRW was the perfect way to kickstart this experience, and I am still fascinated by how passionate and strong their chapters work.

Hopped off a plane at LAX! Ohhhh yes. Welcome to PWR! After a quick flight, I found myself in LA. In full LA etiquette, I was shown around Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard, and, of course, the famous Hollywood sign. I supported the Regional Board as they prepped and got excited for their biggest kickoff yet! The yacht party was a great success with 400 teens, great music, and a fantastic view! I headed to San Diego and got to meet the Chapter Boards! I not only learned about their plans to kick off the year but also had a wholesome reunion with CLTC 1 teens. Back in LA, I attended a chapter meeting and had to say goodbye to GO GREEK Frozen Yogurt! PWR truly is a PoWeR Region. I headed to the airport, took an overnight flight, and woke up in the Midwest!

In GMR, I was able to host my first BBG Legacy Night! Legacy Nights are BBG events I am hosting as I travel to bring BBGs together, learn more about what BBG is, how it has been shaped by the past 80 years, and teach BBG cheers! I was so happy the premiere of this program was a big success and loved meeting so many BBGs. My wonderful host, Ella M., took me to her homecoming football game, and the Regional Board met with me over a Cubs baseball game, which brought me the full American experience—unfortunately, I still don't get it.

GMR hosted the biggest kickoff in the order and welcomed 600 Jewish teens on their yacht! I’ve never been on a more intense dance floor or seen such a beautiful skyline from the water! GMR knows how to party—trust me. After their major kickoff, we met with the Regional Board for a leadership roundtable where we discussed strategies and struggles. To close my visit, together with Chai Tov BBG, we packed bags for those living outside at their chapter program. After the packed week at GMR, my next stop was only a bus ride away!

Welcome to Wisconsin!! Together with the Wisconsin Region, I welcomed Shabbat at a beautiful Chapter Kickoff with great challah and cute candle decorating. I loved hearing how the BBGs’ weeks went and what they are looking to bring into the next week. I was lucky to be shown around the beautiful city of Milwaukee and try the famous Wisconsin cheese. I enjoyed a wonderful Havdalah and s’mores and met even more BBGs! On Sunday, I got an insight into the Jewish community at Family Kickoff. I was able to meet with families and teens while picking apples in the sun. I spent Monday in the JCC, even got to meet with my great aunt, and hung out with Alephs and BBGs as they came in after school. After another amazing Legacy Night full of teaching rituals and traditions, I had an amazing dinner with a few BBGs and said goodbye to Wisconsin.

My first month of the journey was super special, filled with new friends and so many great memories. If you want to check out what the journey looks like, check out @bbgnsiah & @joellestejlag on Instagram. Stay tuned for November!!