“Is there a Mazkirah in the house?” 

“Yes, and her name is Casey Coleman.”

The first time I heard these words was at chapter elections. I had won. Little did I know, the same words would be spoken just two years later, regionally.

When I first joined BBYO, I was a terrified 8th grader. I idolized the board. The board planned our programs, recruited members, and represented our chapter at a regional level. I never saw myself doing something so important. I attended meetings but never had the confidence to take up a leadership role. At one election, I remember being nominated off the floor for Orechet. I was shy and bombed my qualifications listing, ultimately losing the election to an upperclassman who was arguably more experienced.

It was around the time I started running my JSU’s Instagram that I began to think about myself and the board. Serving for my chapter, at the time, seemed like an abstract idea. It was like a dream out of reach. But as I grew older and continued through high school, I became more ambitious and impatient.

My confidence, however, did not appear out of thin air. It grew as I met new people and learned more about the organization. Additionally, observing the board showed me how much joy they derived from their positions. As I scrolled through my chapter’s Instagram, I viewed the eight girls, with smiles, crowded around a computer at CBO. They were planning for the following term. I asked these girls a lot of questions about the responsibilities of the chapter board. They responded, raving about the opportunities and experiences their positions provide. With these conversations and connections, my self-esteem and confidence grew exponentially. 

Finally, I caucused for chapter Mazkirah. I was unopposed and won my election. I instantly fell in love with the position. I was able to express my creativity and communicate with others, two things I love. By the end of my term, I knew that if I ran for the prestigious regional board, Mazkirah would be my position of choice.

Two more terms went by, and I served as S’ganit and N’siah of the now-growing chapter: Bella Abzug BBG #1393. From this, my confidence and my passion for leadership grew. I learned how to work with a group of girls to lead them. I learned to be proactive and to take charge of committees. By the end of my Sophomore year, I knew it was time to run for regional board. 

I still remember clicking send on that email. Watching my declaration and evaluation questions disappear off my screen and into the “sent” sidebar. I waited in anticipation for my declaration to be approved. And once it was, I quickly got to work on my platform and speech. I highlighted my ideas, qualifications, plans, and methods of executing them. 

The weekend of the convention came quicker than I thought. My speech was finished, but I still opened the document every night to ensure that it was persuasive, polished, and, most of all, personable to the BBGs of Evergreen Region (EGR).

During this week, I also learned that I was opposed by two girls from a neighboring city. The "no politicking" rule made it difficult to know the kind of election I was heading into. One of the girls had already been on the Regional Board, and the other had numerous accomplishments, even in International BBYO. I was more than terrified.

Election day came. I woke up nervous, took a bite of my eggs, drank several cups of water, grabbed my speech, and was ready to go. My nerves only increased through the elections preceding mine. I saw how serious every BBG was and how badly they wanted their positions. 

Eventually, it was my turn to speak. With just a couple of breaths in between, I read aloud my six-minute speech. I stood up straight, spoke with purpose, and delivered a speech that represented my passion and care for the organization.

Sitting back down, some friends gave me smiles and hugs--despite the no-emotion rule. The regional N’siah counted the votes. I took deep breaths to myself and squeezed my friend's hand.

Click-clack the sound of high heels as Regional N’siah, Ellie Johnson, entered the room, a ballot of the winning BBG in hand. With a smile, she announced my win. I cried silently--out of joy. 

As Regional Mazkirah, I have had the opportunity and privilege to lead my region. Running the EGR Instagram page and spending hours on interesting and visually pleasing graphics. I also take meeting minutes and communicate with Mazkirim from other regions. I recognize that I never would have been able to make it here without finding the bravery to run for chapter board to begin with. 

Anyone can hold a position. Finding that confidence is more difficult. So, whether you are a nervous 8th grader or nearing the end of your BBYO career, I encourage you to take that step. It can be scary, but if it's what you want, you shouldn’t let that fear stop you. I truly believe that every teen in this order has the power, intelligence, and creativity to be a great leader. You just have to give yourself that push.