I joined BBYO 3 years ago, and I would have never imagined just how important it would become in my life. I want to start by saying that just like any process, there have been both ups and downs, not only to me personally, but to my AZA chapter, Lubel. When I showed up to AIT/new member pickup all alone, I expected to be put in a chapter with some of my old elementary friends. Instead, I was put into Jack Lubel. I knew absolutely none of the older members, and only one or two other 8th graders, who have since become inactive or switched chapters. Even my assigned big left the chapter. Still, I tried my best to keep a smile on my face for the whole event. Soon after the event, I was informed by a friend from another chapter that mine was considered the odd one out. Honestly, that got to me and never really left me. I’ve debated leaving my chapter a couple of times, but every time I’ve found myself sticking to it. After all, weird is just a label. In the end, when all is said and done, my chapter has made me feel included in a way no other group of people has.

Soon after new member pickup, I found myself at my first chapter elections. Long story short, I didn’t even think about running, yet was convinced to get off of the floor. I didn’t win, not even close. But my real leadership journey in BBYO began a couple of months later in that same term, when an older member was impeached from the board and had been coincidentally in the same role that I had run for, gizbor, or chapter treasurer. I was given the opportunity to hold a leadership position, not for a long time, but this time I took it without a doubt. Being on Lubel’s board gave me a broader sense of community than just being a general member had.

Since that one role, I have been encouraged to run again for gizbor, and the next year for moreh. My running for moreh taught me another valuable lesson that I hadn’t even considered before. Losing didn’t take anything away from me; it just sent me in a new direction. In this case, mazkir. After my mazkir term, I was given the opportunity to run for godol, or president. Much like prior roles, I hadn’t really thought about running, but given the circumstances and little to no competition, I decided to anyway. Each role taught me something different and slowly built my confidence. Winning godol two times and having the opportunity to lead a chapter is an experience I cherish and will hold close to me throughout my whole life.

BBYO gave me the chance to lead in ways I never thought were possible. Not only in my chapter, but on regional and international levels, BBYO has and still does provide so many skills and heighten my sense of leadership to this day. More than anything, BBYO has shown me that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about showing up, stepping up, and helping others grow while learning along the way.