BBYO is often pitched as a resume builder. While it is true that BBYO provides incredible leadership experience, this organization offers so much more to learn. I have learned leadership skills, but I have learned also essential life lessons and valuable knowledge about my culture. While some lessons may seem less important than others, they have all shaped me into the person I am today. Here are some of the best lessons I have learned, and maybe you’ll be inspired to learn them too. 

Navigating an Airport by Myself.

Before IC 2024, I had never once taken a trip by myself. The experience was nerve-wracking. I was terrified of losing my luggage, getting lost, or worse, missing my flight to the event I had been waiting for all year long. As my mom dropped me off at the airport, I took a deep breath and braved security all by myself. I got by with some calls to my older sister and successfully reached Orlando, Florida! Since that IC, I’ve gone on many more BBYO trips by myself. I have this organization to thank for my ability to confidently solo travel. It sounds trivial, but it's a skill I wouldn’t have learned any other way.

Learning About Judaism

You may notice that this lesson is broader than the others. I used to go to Sunday school and regularly attend Synagogue. However, my family moved in 2017. Ever since, it’s been difficult to find a Synagogue where we feel at home. Because of this, before joining BBYO, my Jewish knowledge was mostly cultural. After regularly attending conventions and summer programs, I began to pick up on the Shabbat and Havdalah prayers, the words to the Hamotzi, and even the hand gestures to the Birkat Hamazon. This was incredibly fulfilling; feeling more connected to my Judaism increased my curiosity about my heritage.

Global Cultures and Traditions

I’ve been on CLTC and ILTC. One of my favorite parts of both programs was how much I learned about different places, identities, and cultures. I attended many programs highlighting the diversity of Jewish life, whether it be through making food or having structured conversations. I loved exchanging stories with my friends located around the globe, and I know that I have a place to stay in countries all around the world. 

Leading a Zoom Call

I was so excited when I was selected to be a Fall Convention Jewish Enrichment admin. What I had not realized was just how difficult it would be to lead a Zoom call. Managing a team of people I had never met and moving effectively through an agenda was immensely challenging. It was a completely new experience, and one I am grateful to have had. Many Zoom Calls later, I can lead a meeting without stuttering!

Learning How to Lose

This past Spring Convention, I lost my election to be Regional N’siah. I let nerves get the best of me and did not perform how I knew I could have. Originally, this was devastating for me. I had worked for years to earn this position, dedicating most of my high school experience to BBYO. Of course, I have lost plenty of times before, but I have never lost an opportunity so important to me. It took a lot of time to forgive myself and overcome the loss. Through a support system of friends, a lot of reflection, and gratitude, I took the loss as a learning opportunity. I will say, the BBG I ran against is one of the most passionate and dedicated people I know; it helped me to know that the region was in excellent hands. 

Talking to New People

Like I mentioned earlier, I am introverted by nature. At my first two regional conventions, I barely talked to anyone but my roommates. I was the only underclassman from my city, so coming to Memphis, where many of the BBGs had known each other for years, felt awkward. Talking to new people is a skill–it comes easier for some, but if you’re like me, it takes practice. With my chapter N’siah’s encouragement, I learned how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I pushed my way into conversations, got through awkward silences, accepted rejection, and learned how to keep conversations going. This is undoubtedly one of the most valuable skills I’ve learned throughout my time in BBYO, and I will always be thankful. 

I wouldn’t have learned most of these lessons if I had not challenged myself to be more involved in BBYO.  The more positions you run/apply for, the more events you go to, and the more time you put into the movement, the more you will learn about yourself and the world around you.