One of the most meaningful parts of BBYO for me has been how our programs allow us to slow down, reflect, and connect in ways far beyond everyday interactions. These moments give us the chance to look inward, ask important questions, and build stronger bonds with those who surround us.

A moment that will stay with me forever was a separates program at CLTC 1, led by my AZA coordinator, Harry Barnett. It wasn’t just about sitting in a circle or hearing someone speak; it was about being present with my brother Alephs in a space where we could be open, honest, and vulnerable. In that moment, I felt closer to the core values of AZA, but also closer to myself. Most importantly, I felt myself building stronger friendships with the Alephs around me on a much deeper level.

CLTC taught me that the most powerful part of our movement isn’t just the programs or the traditions, it’s the people. It’s the late-night conversations, the moments of trust, and the ways in which we lift each other up. That separates showed me how meaningful it is to connect with others in such an authentic way, and it’s a memory that I will carry with me long after CLTC.

That lesson is one I will hold with me forever. CLTC didn’t just give me memories, it gave me perspective. It taught me how powerful this movement is when we open ourselves up to its lessons and to each other. It fueled my belief in the strength of our brotherhood, the value of our traditions, and the importance of leaving my own mark on BBYO. And above all, it gave me the confidence to know that, because of the friendships and lessons I gained at CLTC, I will always be connected to something bigger than myself.