I walked off the jetway in Newark at 8:53 a.m., not sure what the future brings, thinking, “I’ll probably learn more about BBYO and bring ideas to my chapter and region,” and while this might’ve been true, I honestly gained other perspectives I would’ve never believed I would. I learned confidence with people I was strangers with since I was in a safe camp environment where I knew everyone was there to gain friendships, learn about being a bbyo leader, and overall just be a Jewish teen. 

What I hadn’t realized was that I was about to embark on a journey of meeting my forever people. With whom I would never be able to live without. The friendships I created and the confidence I gained have carried with me all the way through the beginning of my junior year of high school. (and beyond) I feel more freedom to speak my mind, am excited to learn new things, and overall just happier because I know that February is right around the corner and I am going to see my best friends again in the same fun and safe environment I met them in. 

While I wish I could reunite with them sooner, distance makes the heart grow fonder; I know that it will make our reunion all the more special. Don’t get me wrong, we all still FaceTime and text as much as possible. But with our busy lives, it's hard to stay in contact every day. Which is also a blessing since we all have leadership responsibilities in BBYO and beyond that we could not be more grateful for, while also keeping up with sch**l. We persist and continue to wait for that amazing day when we will all be singing Havdalah songs beside a makeshift Perlman Tree, rekindling the same light that filled our hearts during the best summer of our lives. 

Respectfully submitted with undying love for Kavanah with Moe, Paige’s Bloop, Shabbos cake, SOY SAUCE, my DANS, shabbat photos at the Perlman Tree, my bat mitzvah at Perlman (+Jane, Amelia, and Vivian), shuk at chofesh, and my heart & home AT BBG #2553, North Florida Region #52

I forever remain Tali Hazan, a DAMN proud BBG and an even prouder Jewish teen!