It’s safe to say that April 6, 2025—the day of GMR regional elections—did not end in any way I expected. Like most, I walked into that room with a few predetermined outcomes in mind. But what actually happened wasn’t in my wildest dreams. For some background: I entered elections caucused for GMR’s 24th Regional S’ganit, unopposed—though there was always the possibility of someone sliding to run against me. And that’s exactly what happened. I’ll be honest: in that moment, I was disappointed. I had lost my love, my favorite position, what felt like my whole world. But looking back now, I truly believe that it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Today, I am proud to say that I have the honor of serving as the Great Midwest Region’s 24th Mazkirah. Just two weeks into the term, I can confidently say this is exactly where I’m meant to be. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t scary. I had served three terms on chapter board—never as Mazkirah. My Canva skills? Meh. My photography? Worse. My caption writing? Could use work. But here’s the lesson I’ve learned: BBYO isn’t about what you come in with—it’s about what you put into it. That’s the cliché we hear from every senior, every staff member, every advisor, and alum. It may sound like a broken record, but it couldn’t be more true.

My BBYO journey has always been unconventional. I was nominated for chapter Sh’licha after attending just three programs—and after two runoff elections, there I was on board. I knew nothing. I couldn’t have told you what a red book was or what happened at senior lives. I knew three things: the yacht party (a rite of passage for Jewish Chicago teens), Invite Convention (which I had attended three weeks earlier), and somehow—I was on board now?

That term changed everything. I was the baby freshman on a board full of tenured juniors, some of whom became the big sisters I never had. I watched three of them achieve their dreams by serving on regional board. They became and remain my biggest inspirations. They led me to run for two more chapter board terms, and eventually, to continue Chicago’s legacy on GMR’s regional board.

None of it was easy—and it never will be. But nothing worth having ever is. As I prepare to leave for ILTC in just a few weeks, I find myself feeling excited—for the new memories, the new friends, and the new experiences. But more than anything, I feel eager to learn. My BBYO journey has always been about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and growing into someone I never thought I could be. So I’ll leave you with my three rules for making the most of your time in BBYO:

1. Never give up: Always keep going, keep trying, and chase what feels impossible.
2. Always be open to learning: This goes beyond BBYO—it’s a mindset for life. But its value cannot be overstated. 
3. Everything happens for a reason: It might not feel that way in the moment—I know firsthand—but in the end, what’s meant to happen always finds its way.

As I look ahead, I carry with me every lesson, every setback, and every unexpected turn—because each one has shaped the leader I continue to become. For the next two years of my life in this organization, I will abide by the lessons that have shaped me, and the future I strive to create for surrounding Jewish teens. We are the future. Although setbacks are always part of that process, never let them influence you to think that you are not good enough. In the end, I can guarantee that you will always find exactly where you’re meant to be.