For many of you, living in a city surrounded by a vibrant Jewish community means you have the privilege of multiple BBG and AZA chapters, and you often bump into fellow chapter members in the hallways at school. You’re part of a larger network where Jewish teens are visible and have an active presence in your daily life. But for me, it’s different. In my city, the Jewish community is smaller, and our BBYO chapter is the only one in the entire county, which means it serves over 30 schools. Because of that, the only time I get to connect with Jewish teens, share experiences, and truly be myself is when I’m at BBYO.

BBYO has become my sanctuary—a place where I feel understood, accepted, and empowered to express who I really am. It’s not just an organization to me; it’s my safe space, my community, my home away from home. Here, I don’t just get to participate in activities and events. I get to build deep, meaningful relationships with people who share my values and passions.

Here are the reasons BBYO holds such a special place in my heart:

1. Chapter programs- Every week, I get to come together with the other teens in my city. We all go to different schools, play different sports, and have different interests. It's a very different setting than if I was just with my normal friends (who are not Jewish at all). And I love that for me. I immediately feel connected, and it feels great to get to be in this safe space with other teens. 
2. Regional Conventions- When I get on the bus to head home after a regional convention, the countdown begins till the next one. The feeling of jumping off the bus and running to hug your friends shows how amazing and strong these BBYO connections are, even if you only see them every few months. From my New Member Weekend to now, I feel like I have found my BBYO group. I constantly find myself opening my Snapchat memories and camera roll to reminisce through all the videos and pictures we collected from that short weekend we had together.
3. BBYO Summer- This past summer, I went on CLTC. I was the only one from my chapter going, and I knew of the people in my region going.  I arrived at the airport, and all the BBGs ended up sitting in a circle on the baggage claim floor, finally putting names to faces; it was such a great feeling to know that I had the next two weeks to grow closer and connect with every one of the BBGS.  At the end of my session, I became so incredibly close to the people in my region, the BBGs from my bunk, and honestly, everyone who was included in my session. I'm going to IC AND full Perlman 2025, and I'm counting down the days to when I get to reunite with my friends. 
4. Shabbat- One of the most magical feelings in the world to me is sitting in a room and hearing everyone sing. At my bat mitzvah, I was the only one singing the prayers, as it was my friend's first time attending a bat mitzvah. Whether it is Saturday morning services at my local temple or Friday night Shabbat at regional conventions, it feels great to be surrounded by Jews who all know the same prayers and melodies.