After four cold showers into CLTC 4, I realized this was my home. No, it wasn’t the freezing showers I enjoyed. It was the late-night talks and early-morning walks with the girls I was lucky enough to call my best friends after only meeting 12 days prior. 

This past summer, I was fortunate enough to travel to Pennsylvania to spend the best 12 days of my life with my new best friends. From the moment I landed and to my flight home, there was constant laughter and joy. I learned many things about myself over the course of these 12 days. I learned I HATE cold showers, and I am definitely not a morning person. However, on a deeper level, I learned the importance of friendship and what it means for me to be a BBG. 

Through activities such as Separates and mock chapter meetings, I learned about BBG's identity, building my chapter, and the role BBYO can play in my day-to-day life. I strengthened my knowledge of BBYO’s chapter board structure and participated in my first-ever Separates. I strengthened my Jewish identity while doing Rikudim on Friday nights and Havdalah services on Saturdays. 

Before CLTC, BBYO was just another day in my week, adding to my routine and stress in addition to school. After CLTC, I valued BBYO on a level I did not know was possible. I subconsciously started counting my weeks on Wednesdays for when I get to see my sisters of Halev BBG #2362. 

If CLTC has taught me anything, it is to be proud of who you are. It taught me that BBYO is a special place where you can find people just like you. It taught me strength, courage, and, most of all, confidence. CLTC has shown me that regardless of the setting, I can take initiative and make the outcome whatever I want it to be.

When asked, "What are you doing this summer?" I encourage you to do the summer program! It may seem daunting at first to go to a place where you might not know anyone, but I promise it will all work out in the end. Put yourself out there– the only one who can shape your identity is yourself.