As an 8th grader, I joined BBYO in awe of the high schoolers leading my chapter and region. I looked up to them as they recruited me and other new members into our siblinghood. Their positive attitudes and strong leadership skills inspired me. Little did I know I would soon step into their positions. 

At the end of 9th grade, I was elected as my chapter’s Mazkirah, and I realized that I had become one of the BBGs that I once aspired to be: a board member. I did my best to form connections with younger members and inspire them the way I once was. However, it wasn’t until this year, my senior year, that I saw the most drastic change.

In May, I was elected onto my region’s 66th board. I was in a state of shock, but I was elated and anxious to begin strengthening NSR however I could. As the weeks and months have continued on, I have grown more comfortable in my position, and I have noticed the younger members feeling the same way I once did. 

New members in my chapter and region have begun looking up to me, and the knowledge of that motivates me every day. I strive for success in and out of BBYO for the 8th and 9th graders who may also need that push to continue reaching for their goals. 

Growing into the mentor I am today happened in the blink of an eye. It’s often said that your days in BBYO feel like seconds, but now, as a senior, I can agree. It feels like mere weeks ago that I was inducted into BBYO through a Zoom screen, barely knowing the difference between the board positions and the different chapters throughout the Order. Now, I stand in front of my chapter and region, leading them with pride. In a flash, I grew into one of the people I once idolized. I never stopped looking up to those older members, but they’ve graduated from BBYO and have moved on to bigger and better things in college. They push me every day towards success, and I can only hope that I do the same for my BBYO littles, for my chapter, and for my region. 

For those of you reading this, take my advice. If you’re an underclassman, cherish every moment you have in this organization, for it’ll be gone before you know it. Reach out to that “cool” upperclassman; I’m sure they’d feel honored to get a text or call. For the upperclassmen: Your time is limited, as you know. Continue holding on to every memory and experience with your best friends. Continue striving for greatness, if not for you, then for the young Alephs and BBGs looking up to you. I promise they're there. I promise they’re watching. I promise they’ll one day become us, and we’ll look back proudly at the leaders we helped shape.