Attending International Convention as a freshman can be intimidating. Walking into a space filled with thousands of teens, many of whom have already been to IC or summer programs, can make you feel like the youngest person in the room. Before arriving, I had convinced myself that IC was really meant for underclassmen and that it was something you fully appreciated only after years in BBYO.

Don’t get me wrong, I had heard from my brother that IC was one of the best experiences he’d ever had. Still, without ever attending a prior BBYO summer program or International Convention, I wasn’t sure it would live up to the hype. I wondered if I would feel out of place or behind compared to everyone else.

However, that mindset shifted quickly.

When I arrived in my hotel room, I was relieved to see that I was paired with three other underclassmen. Instantly, I felt more comfortable knowing I wasn’t alone in this experience. Being surrounded by people my age made it easier to connect, talk openly, and share the same excitement and nerves about the weekend ahead.

One of the highlights was the Freshman-only dinner. It gave Alephs and BBGs from around the order the chance to connect in a smaller, more personal setting. Instead of feeling like just another face in a crowd of thousands, we were able to actually meet one another. BBYO made the dinner even more engaging by hosting raffles for prizes like Bluetooth speakers and water bottles, which kept the energy high and encouraged participation.

Another part I appreciated was being able to meet other freshmen attending BBYO summer programs. I’m signed up for CLTC this summer, and before IC, I hadn’t met anyone else going. Through the freshman programming, I was able to meet other teens in my CLTC session and even connect with my coordinator. Hearing upperclassmen share their summer program experiences also made me even more excited for what’s ahead.

Overall, International Convention proved that it isn’t just for upperclassmen. BBYO creates intentional spaces for freshmen to connect, build confidence, and feel included. What started as nerves turned into excitement, and by the end of the weekend, I didn’t feel like “just a freshman.” I felt like part of something bigger.