At my school, there are so many students from different backgrounds, but only a few share mine. From religion class to my classmates asking me what I got for Christmas, I began to feel myself drifting from my Jewish identity. While it has been a great opportunity to learn about another religion, there are moments when I don’t even feel Jewish. The classrooms are filled with Easter decorations, and there’s always a cross on the wall, reminding me that I don’t share the same experiences as the person next to me.

Growing up, I never thought much about being Jewish. I was constantly surrounded by Jewish people—I attended Hebrew school, went to a Jewish sleepaway camp, and had many Jewish family friends. It was simply a part of who I was, and it felt normal because I was always around others who shared my background. There was never a need to explain Hanukkah or that awkward moment when you have to tell someone you’re Jewish. However, after enrolling in a Catholic high school, I realized just how different my experience was from that of my classmates. While they talked about their stocking stuffers and Christmas Eve traditions, my traditions were different. For Passover, I would go camping with my temple, and for Purim, I would dress up and celebrate with my community. I constantly found myself explaining my holidays and customs, but nobody around me fully understood.

When I was searching for a Jewish community, I heard about BBYO and joined immediately. The friendships I have made through BBYO have been life-changing. The girls I have met are more than just friends—they have become my sisters. They have made this organization everything to me, filling my life with laughter, support, and unforgettable memories. Whether we are at a meeting, singing together at conventions, or just hanging out, there is a sense of connection that goes beyond words. These friendships have shown me the true power of community and how important it is to be surrounded by people who share the same values and traditions.

My recent experience at IC has made my love for BBYO grow even stronger. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world, and the energy was unlike anything I had ever experienced. From day to night, I was constantly meeting new people—random Jewish teens from different countries, each with their own stories and traditions. It was truly an incredible experience to be in a space where, no matter where we were from, we were all connected by our shared Jewish identity. Leaving IC, I felt more inspired than ever. The experience reminded me why I joined BBYO in the first place—to be part of something bigger than myself—and I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.

BBYO has shown me that being Jewish isn’t just about religion—it’s about community, culture, and connection. Even if there aren’t many Jews in my school’s halls, I know I have a Jewish family waiting for me outside of it.