I started BBYO without knowing a single thing about it. I had no idea what I was getting into, nor how it would impact me. I didn’t even know if it was something I would stick with, but I did, thankfully. It took three terms as a general member and one term as a chair before I was on board. However, not everyone has the same journey…

During my sophomore year, my sister joined BBYO. Before she even started, she knew everything there was to know due to hearing me constantly talk about it. She knew which chapter she would join, despite me telling her to try them all. Her love for the chapter and passion for BBYO flourished quickly, whereas it took a while for me to feel at home. One term in, she applied for a chair position and was selected. The following term, she was on board as Gizborit, with me as N’siah. Her path to leadership was an accelerated version of mine, mainly due to the fact that she could jump right in.

Being together on board was definitely an interesting dynamic, but something I wouldn’t trade for the world. It was amazing to be able to bounce ideas off of each other on the way to school or during family dinners. At times, it was easy to blur the lines between sister and board member, but it also meant we could be more productive. If she needed an opinion on merch, I was right there. If there was something I wanted her thoughts on, she was always responsive.

Now, I’m my chapter’s N’siah again, and she is our Morah. Being on board together has not only helped our chapter grow but also our connection as sisters, as we’ve grown ever closer.