The best 12 days of your life might not start on day 1. The best chapter experience might not start the day you join. The best five years of your life might not start when you walk into fall kickoff in 8th grade. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.

This year, my chapter is sending ten girls on summer programs. While they are all very excited or already had the best time, it isn’t always easy at first. When stepping into the unknown, humans are bound to be scared. It’s part of our biological makeup. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go. In fact, the more we step into the unknown, the more comfortable we become, leading to more and more experiences that will shape our lives.

The first time I went to my chapter’s event, I didn’t immediately fall in love with BBYO. Sure I enjoyed it, but I didn’t make forever friendships that night. But, I chose to keep coming back and at an event in April, I realized this was the organization for me.

We shouldn’t tell our prospects that it will take months to find their place in BBYO but, it’s important to tell them it might take time to find their people. And this doesn’t just go for prospects, this can be applied to members heading on summer programs or going to convention for the first time. The idea of “the puzzle pieces falling into place” can be applied to every aspect of life- school, friend groups, college, you name it. 

Specifically with CLTC, the concept of going to the airport and saying the same sentences over and over again-“Hi my name is Aliyah I am from South Jersey Region and I’m so excited for CLTC”-can feel like torture. But once day four rolls around, friendships solidify, memories are made, and Poyntelle, PA becomes home. 

So today, I sent a text to the three girls from my chapter that are heading to CLTC 3. I told them that the first couple days might not be perfect but it will become the best place in the world. 

Right now, I’m reminding myself of the same message as I am writing this on the bus to Kallah. So while I am very excited and you’ll probably only see me smiling wide, just know that I’m nervous to be in the unknown too.