On June 18, 2026, my fellow BBGs and I walked into our separates in the gym at CLTC 1. It was a Tangled-themed separates, and from the very beginning, it felt different. We entered holding hands, eventually joining together in the BBG heartbeat. The way we did it was different from my region, but that’s something I’ve come to love learning the unique traditions that make BBYO so special.

As we waited for everyone to enter, I noticed candles arranged in a circle, with even more candles in the center forming the shape of a heart. Soft, solemn music played in the background, setting the tone for what was about to come. It felt meaningful, almost sacred.

Our coordinator, Daphne Rogers, led the separates. She spoke about how powerful it was that we were all there together, with BBGs from different regions and chapters across the country, all connected in this one moment. She gave each of us a piece of paper that we would later turn into a lantern. On it, we were asked to write why we started BBYO, why we stayed, what we’ve learned, and what we will always remember.

For me, the words came easily. BBYO has had such a strong impact on my life, and writing it down made me reflect on how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown. Afterward, some girls volunteered to share their thoughts, and we all snapped in support, connecting through shared experiences and emotions.

Once we finished writing, we were given tape and began turning our papers into lanterns, just like in Tangled. We placed our lanterns over the candles in front of us, and suddenly, everything felt even more real. At that moment, I thought of the quote, “And at last I see the light.” It perfectly captured how I felt like everything I’ve experienced in BBYO was coming together in a way I could finally fully understand.

This separates was even more meaningful because we were being inducted internationally. Daphne went around the circle with a mini gavel and handed each of us a BBG red book, officially welcoming us into something bigger than ourselves. It was a moment I will never forget.

Right after we were inducted, everything shifted from emotional to joyful. We were hugging each other, taking pictures with our friends and with Daphne in front of the heart of candles in the center. It felt like we were celebrating not just the moment, but everything that led us there.

Then we all went outside and formed our spirit circle. After such a meaningful experience, being together again in that space felt powerful. Surrounded by my sisters, full of energy and connection, I realized how strong our bond had become not just because of where we came from, but because of what we had just experienced together as BBGs. 

What made this experience even more special was the friendships. The connections I made at CLTC, in such a short amount of time, felt just as strong as the friendships I’ve built over years in my region. Some of those people quickly became my best friends. We were brought together for something that only we can truly understand.

In that room and beyond, holding my lantern and standing beside my sisters, I realized that BBYO isn’t just something I’m part of, it's a part of me. Just like the lanterns that rise together into the sky, we are all connected, growing, and lifting each other up, no matter where we come from.