If you’ve ever attended a BBYO summer program, especially CLTC, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a Mock Chapter. Then with only being in the mock chapter for a few days, you get hit with the news of an inevitable election. You may only know a few people, you might be shy or nervous, but you decide to run anyway.  That is what we did. After getting a run down of all the positions and their roles in mock chapters, we both proudly caucused for the high and honorable position of Achayot BBG’s first mock chapter N’siah. At first we took it very seriously. Ideas for speeches and platforms rushed through our heads. We both kept thinking, ‘What’s going to make me stand out? What is going to help me secure a successful election?’.  Lost in the train of thought, our coordinator, Daphne Rogers, recentered us by constantly reminding everyone of the phrase “It’s not that deep”.

After a night full of drawing platforms and writing speeches, election day arrived. Sitting in the room, Daphne said “All those caucused for the high and honorable position of N’siah please rise and remain standing”. Looking around the room to see our opponents, we found each other. Standing up and seeing your friend run against you is hard. But then we remembered “It’s not that deep”. No matter the results, we were confident that either of us would succeed in the role. Ultimately, Molly was successful in her caucus for N’siah. This helped Rachel realize the true meaning of the word “mock” and that this was only practice. So, she picked herself back up and won the position of Achayot BBG’s first mock chapter Sh’licha. After joining hands in the international BBG song, we found each other, and expressed how proud we were. And the best part is, we get to be on board together! 

If you ever have the opportunity to attend CLTC, remember to be brave and caucus yourself. But remind yourself that it is really NOT THAT DEEP. CLTC’s purpose is for you to learn about chapter leadership. And even if you lose an election, take it as a learning experience, because that is what CLTC is for. Constantly remember the word “mock”. The chapters here aren’t real. They don’t leave camp. What leaves camp is the memories and friendships you make along the way. In the end, us going through the process together, strengthened our friendship even more.