When I decided to run for regional Sh'licha, I thought my passion for Jewish programming was enough to fuel my platform. But all the while, I was really scared. I felt like I was living in someone else's shadow, constantly comparing myself to others who I thought were more qualified, more experienced, or just "better" than me. Even after winning, I still dealt with this feeling that someone else could do the job better than I ever could. 

Fast forward to now, and something has changed. I've come to realize that this role isn't just about programming, Judaic, or leadership- it's about finding meaning in what you do and enabling others to do the same thing. It's those moments of self-doubt, of growth along the way, that helped me embrace the fact that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

It took time to step out of the shadows that I created in my head. But as I look back, I see how each experience has led me to this role. The passion that drove me to run hasn't gone away–instead, it's been matched by a growing belief in myself. 

I took this position because I wanted to.

Because I felt that I was a good person for this role. Because I was passionate. But when I came into the role, I felt in the dark. I felt like I was living in someone else's position, someone who could succeed and do better than I ever could. I had imposter syndrome. But I've learned that I'm here for a reason, and all I've tried to do is to be the person that I thought was better than me. This role has been more than a title, more than a job; this has been about the growth I didn't think I had. For the first time, I can look at that reflection and see not just the passion but also the belief that I’m exactly in the position I’m supposed to be.