As many of you may know, Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album, Midnights, came out just a few weeks ago. Taylor is notorious for making the fifth track on each of her albums the saddest and most personal song. For example, “All Too Well,” a fan favorite and one of Taylor’s most powerful songs, is the fifth track on Red. On Midnights, this track is “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” an honest account of growing up, learning, and maturing. While the song is, as the title suggests, about being alone and realizing there is no one there for you except yourself, it is the bridge that struck me the most. The song reaches a turning point, as Taylor sings:

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“'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned

Everything you lose is a step you take

So make the friendship bracelets

Take the moment and taste it

You've got no reason to be afraid”

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As I sat with those lyrics for the first time, I wondered why I felt so impacted by them. The song felt deeply personal to me, despite barely knowing it at first, and eventually I figured out why. In these last lyrics of the bridge, as Taylor learns to embrace those around her and really live in the moment, I recognized myself and my BBYO journey. Before I joined, I was in a dark place and felt so alone, but BBYO changed that. Through this organization, I’ve met the most incredible people and had life-changing experiences. For every hardship I have endured, my BBYO friends have been there to support me through it. At International Kallah this past summer, I really did make friendship bracelets, just like Taylor says. On top of the new friends I’ve made, BBYO has changed my outlook on life. I used to be so afraid to take risks, but now I’ve learned to take advantage of my life and the opportunities I’ve been given. Just as Taylor encourages her listeners to “take the moment and taste it,” this organization has taught me how to do so. In the past, I never would have run for board or went on a summer program without knowing anyone, but since joining, I’ve done both of those things, and more. Taylor is right, I have no reason to be afraid, and now I can honestly say that I’m not. 

The lyrics of this bridge are so powerful. They made me realize just how much I’ve grown and give me hope for the future. BBYO has given me the most meaningful connections and moments, which have transformed me as a person. I know I will carry the lessons I’ve learned as a member of this organization with me for the rest of my life. At one point, I would have strongly related to the title of this song, but now, thanks to BBYO, I am lucky enough to know that I am not on my own. And neither are you.