My BBYO experience this past school year can only be described as a roller coaster. It took me on a journey with ups and downs, stress, excitement, and nerves. Yet, above all, it taught me about the importance of connection, both locally and internationally. 

It didn’t begin as a roller coaster. Everything was normal through 2023. I was co-N’siah of my chapter, event attendance saw record-breaking numbers, and membership was greatly expanding. Then came January. Along with January comes the typical new beginnings. Although this time, the “new” was a drop in my board position, from N’siah to S’ganit. 

In the beginning, I coped with lots of tears and complaints with my friends. I even considered dropping the board altogether. But instead, I decided to throw myself more into the international aspect of BBYO. I began calling my friends from my summer 2023 BBYO Passport trip weekly, ensuring that I wouldn’t lose my close bonds with them. I followed other chapters’ Instagrams across the order and found inspiration that I could take back to my own. And, I got more involved with the Press Corps, becoming a part of IC Press Corps as IC 100 approached. 

These steps made me more connected to the entire BBYO order, allowing me to develop a new perspective. I was able to shift my focus from being solely on my chapter to how I can expand my outreach and meet even more people. Lucky for me, IC 100 was close, and to say it changed me as a person would honestly be an understatement.

When the day came in February, I had never been more excited. It was my first IC and I already knew it wouldn’t be my last. The weekend was like no other I’ve experienced. I made so many new friends from both inside and outside of the US, many of whom I still keep in contact with. I reunited with my Passport friends, who I truly believe made the experience so special. I learned about other chapters’ traditions, BBYO rituals, and real-world problems from the guest speakers. I was trusted to interview Noa Tishby, one of my biggest role models for which I am still deeply grateful. I discovered more about myself and became more independent. Arguably most importantly, I experienced the true beauty of Jewish connection.

All too soon, I returned home. Home to Minnesota, home to my chapter that I previously felt had betrayed me, and home to my lower position as S’ganit. But I was okay. I wasn’t the same person I once was. I had a community behind me, one filled with BBGs and AZAs who would support me from all over the world. With the help of international BBYO, my passion was reignited and I came to appreciate the organization even more than before. 

Even through the ups and downs of this BBYO programming year, one fact remained true: I loved BBYO. I may not be my chapter’s N’siah, and a part of me may still feel betrayed, but that doesn’t matter. In the end, I was able to find my place, and I feel truly grateful to have that place for one final year.