Where has the time gone? 10 months gone in a flash with nothing but countless memories left behind. Over the past 10 months, I think we can all agree it was crazy—some of the best and worst times of our lives. I can’t speak for everyone, but in my experience, I wouldn’t change a thing.

In the beginning, or in August, I had just gotten back from CLTC. At CLTC, I have had one of the BEST 12 days of my life. Jam-packed with leadership, lessons, friendships, and so much more, it helped me to become a better leader. Going into the fall term, I had just lost Mazkirah. During rush week, I was with my friends, having fun. Kickoff was at a slide park where my friends and I would run around, doing everything we could. Throughout the term, I did BBYO. This means I applied for everything, met new people, hung out with my friends, and so much more. It was honestly amazing, and then there were elections. Here, I ran for Shli’cha and, to no surprise, lost. 

This marked 7 straight losses in elections. No biggie, there’s always next term, right? As the spring term rolled around, I was thinking about my why. My why would be, “Why do I still show up?” During this term, it took a lot to find my why. I kept going back to what could have been, but what wasn’t reality. So, I did everything in an attempt to show leadership. I did steering, ran for chair, and even ran for regional board. 

Yeah, never once been on chapter board running for regional, impossible. Well, this summer I’m doing Full Perlman, so because of ILTC, I was given the eligibility to run. I knew I was going to lose, but I also knew that if I didn’t, I would regret it forever. So, I guess my message to you is to do everything you can, even if you think you can’t. While I was right about the outcome, I was wrong about how it would affect my thoughts about elections. 

As the term closed out, I got very stressed with school finals and having to write/make an entirely new speech and platform. This was the hardest last couple weeks of my life. Finally, after all the stress, chapter elections came to order. Walking in, I knew for a fact I was going to lose with the worst speech and platform I had ever written. However, walking out, I was wrong. 

After 2 years, I finally got on chapter board for the position I first ran for. Honestly, it was kind of surreal. I’m so used to losing that being on the other side feels wrong; like they messed up the script or something.

I know that I’m talking about elections a lot, which can be a touchy topic. I’m sorry if you have lost before. It's a feeling  I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Elections are also not that important in the grand scheme of things. BBYO is about so much more than getting on board.

BBYO has given me so many things I thought I would never have. This past year is no different. From friendships to leadership, I say thank you for everything you’ve given me and others.