Picture a shy, somewhat awkward, newly-15 year old girl sitting on the sofa in a random person’s basement, surrounded by people she’d never met before. That was basically me when I was elected for my first chapter board position. 

I joined BBYO at the very end of my freshman year of high school, and my first event as a member was chapter lives, with a sleepover leading into chapter elections the next morning. Our chapter S’ganim at the time had told me it would be a great way to experience BBYO traditions and sisterhood from the outside, so I registered for the program. Little did I know it would completely change my life. 

At those elections, nobody ran for Gizborit, so it was up to nominations to find someone to fill the position. Long story short, a girl in the chapter nominated me, I stumbled through a painful minute of my qualifications, and I was elected. Keep in mind, before I accepted the nomination I literally had to ask what the position was. Seriously, I knew nothing. 

I’m not going to lie and say that the term was perfect. I certainly needed a lot of help getting started, but with the support of my amazing board and counterparts I was able to make it through, and even ended up winning Gizborit of the year for my council. More important than any award, however, were the experiences I had.

First of all, board retreat. I went into the weekend friends with only one other person on board, and left with 6 lifelong best friends, as well as so many connections with other members across my region. Throughout those few amazing months I hosted my first event, helped at chapter rush, applied and was selected to help steer regional convention, and so much more.

I was also able to learn leadership skills. I became a more confident leader, got comfortable talking to new people, and became so much better at making friends. Being on board is, in my opinion, the best first step to becoming an active member of BBYO, and it seriously shaped my experience. The girls I was on my chapter’s 92nd board with are still, almost two years later, my best friends in and out of BBYO. So, if there’s one piece of advice I’d give to a new member: say yes. Accept the nomination, and don’t be scared. You will get more than you could’ve ever imagined.