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Going on ILTC was truly one of the best experiences I’ve had as chapter N'siah. Being surrounded by so many passionate and motivated leaders helped me grow in ways I never expected. We had sessions with incredible speakers who really opened my eyes to what it means to lead with purpose. Hearing their stories inspired me to think bigger, not just about my role but about the impact we can make on our chapter and BBYO as a whole. It made me realize that we’re the next generation of leaders, and it’s up to us to build something meaningful that can inspire others.

The blueprint learning sessions were some of the most valuable parts of ILTC. In these sessions, we dove into practical skills like recruiting new members and creating programming that genuinely resonates with our chapter. Learning these skills gave me the confidence to bring fresh, engaging ideas to our events. I started to see that by making our programs meaningful, we can create a space where everyone feels they belong. I’m excited to try these new strategies to make our chapter more welcoming and engaging.

ILTC wasn’t just about leadership; it was about connection. I met people from all over who share my passion for BBYO, and we created friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Being around other Jewish teens who understand my experiences and values helped me connect more deeply with my Jewish identity. We celebrated Shabbat together, shared stories, and learned more about our culture and traditions. It was powerful to see how BBYO brings us together, no matter where we’re from, and strengthens our sense of community and pride.

Most importantly, ILTC taught me that it’s up to us to make BBYO accessible for all Jewish teens. We have the chance to make a difference for someone else and help them find a home in BBYO, just like I have. I left ILTC inspired and ready to make a real impact, whether it’s by reaching out to new members, creating meaningful programs, or just being there for others. I can’t wait to bring everything I learned back to my chapter and help create an environment where every Jewish teen can feel the sense of belonging and inspiration that BBYO has given me.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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