It is a very bittersweet feeling to be on the flip side of my time in BBYO. I am currently heading back from my last regional fall convention, and I am filled with mixed emotions.

It was a thrilling experience coordinating both a spring and a fall convention during my time in BBYO, as they were both equally spontaneous yet nothing alike. The two conventions had unexpected moments we had no control over (ironically, both due to weather changes), but we managed to make the best of our circumstances.

At this fall convention, I was once again reminded of the power of BBYO and AZA in our separates programs. Despite a two-hour “program hold” due to a thunderstorm, when we finally gathered for dinner and separates, it felt all the more special. And I know every single board member wanted to make our last one extra meaningful. But the magic lay in our alephs, who gave it their all and opened up like I have never seen before. This weekend, I was constantly impressed by the kindness and respect these boys showed each other, especially during more serious discussions like separates.

As you start to reach the end of your time in BBYO, a powerful thing happens: you start to become the figure that you once looked up to when you first started in BBYO. I am aware of the mark that my fellow senior leaders and I have left on Lonestar and on the intelligent, kind, passionate leaders who follow us. There is something to say about the Lonestar kids.

This regional election was my first in two years without running for a position, and I was equally anxious and excited to watch the candidates, almost as nervous as I had been when I ran for the first time. It makes me very happy to see the abundance of energetic teens who year after year long to run for positions in Lonestar. These are the kids who will shape and change our world. I believe in their potential, both those who win and those who walk away disappointed.

I am so proud of fall convention, and I can hardly believe I only have a few months left in this order.