When I arrived at Tucson’s Fall Kickoff in August 2024, I was terrified. I had just started 8th grade and was hoping to build my confidence and meet new people. I hadn’t experienced being part of a strong Jewish community since I moved to Tucson from New City, New York (Rockland County) in the summer of 2022.  Shortly after I walked into Fall Kickoff, I was welcomed into a group for icebreakers. Hearing questions like “What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?” and talking to people with similar Jewish heritage and traditions made me feel seen and flooded with happiness. I started talking to some members of Kadimah BBG and felt truly at home. I had never been part of such a welcoming and accepting community. Every single person was brought together by Judaism.

A culture where no matter how many times we are discriminated against and torn apart, we are connected, proud, and passionate. Through BBYO and my wonderful chapter, the incredible and loving girls of Kadimah BBG #1213, Mountain Region #47, I have reconnected with my Judaism.  During my first year in BBYO, I became more confident and further developed my communication and leadership skills. Through my connections with BBGs across the Mountain Region and my chapter, Kadimah, I have discovered the most important things I have always wanted: Community, Connection, and A Place to Call Home. I have been mentored by incredible people who genuinely care about each other. I am still learning and growing as a person and leader, but I can now feel comfortable in my skin. I am surrounded by a loving and supportive BBYO family that has truly become my best friends.  

My BBYO journey is just beginning, and yet BBYO has already changed my life forever. During my first year as a member of BBYO, I attended fall convention and spring conclave, ran and was elected to chapter board, and I have come to feel loved and supported by my BBG sisters.  When I think of my BBYO family, there is a phrase that comes to mind to best describe BBYO and the impact it has made on my life: “BBYO is My Heart And Home”.