When I first opened my red book, I was overwhelmed. So many stories. So much history. I looked through all the names: founders, decades of N’siot, and the 77th International Board of B’nai B’rith Girls. Where do I fall in all of this? I asked myself. How can I make an impact on our community? My question was answered at ILTC when Madricha Abigail Fixel invited anyone interested to help write a cheer for the 80th anniversary of BBG. The cheer would be published in every Redbook to come, chanted by BBGs around the globe. 

“Come find me if you want to help with the cheer,” I recall her saying. I approached shyly, expressing interest. I was added to a WhatsApp group with several BBGs--just like me--eager to contribute. I began to question myself. Am I the right person to help? Are these other BBGs more qualified? Maybe the group won’t like my ideas. 

I ended up missing the first cheer-writing session, and when the second came around, I was sure that I wouldn’t attend. The idea of working with BBGs I didn't know on such a meaningful project filled me with anxiety. I come from the Evergreen Region, a region that often doesn’t send as many teens to summer programs, so I felt like an outsider. So, I stayed in my cabin, feeling dread, thinking about the meeting I was missing. 

I questioned, Why am I letting my anxiety keep me from this project? I began to think about the reason I was at ILTC, the reason I flew 3,000 miles. To meet new teens, to educate my region, to create new connections, and to make an impact on the future of BBYO. Without warning, my feet began to move out of my cabin, down the monstrous hill, all the way to Perlman’s amphitheater. Here, I found almost a dozen BBGs deep in conversation, discussing the monumental cheer. I quietly sat down and joined the conversation. I was joined by Abigail Fixel, Hannah Borken, Amy Hornstein, Samantha Lepow, Hannah May, Talia Mono, Sami Sandler, and Rebecca Solomon. BBGs that I grew to love, respect, and cherish. Soon, I became comfortable enough to propose my own ideas. 

Meals and chofeshim, day in and day out, we spent drafting this cheer. We emphasized identity, community, and how far we’ve come. Thus, Our Legacy: The Story of a BBG was born. We came up with clever rhymes and meaningful ways to insert pieces of BBG history. 

This cheer not only highlights our organization's biggest leaders, such as Anita Perlman, but it also recognizes BBGs everywhere. The cheer is suitable for all languages, so BBGs from all around the world can unite. The two pats, a clap, and two hits to the heart, made to go along with the chorus, represent BBG as our heart and home. 

When ILTC Presents came around, we were all giddy to share our cheer. After being announced by Abigail, we taught the cheer to the interested audience. With much enthusiasm, we led over 300 teens through the lyrics and corresponding hand motions. It was a hit! I felt amazing, having the courage to stand in front of a crowd and share the work I played a role in creating. 

This experience taught me to step out of my comfort zone, make a difference in my community, and not let my anxiety stop me from chasing my dreams. This summer, I worked on a project that will stick with BBGs for decades to come and bring our community closer. For years, I have pondered the red book, wondering what I will do and how I can support this organization and pave the way for children to come. This cheer is what I hope to pass down. This is my legacy.