It’s not that deep. A common phrase and abbreviation recited throughout the duration of my session at CLTC 2. As my peers and I were introduced to mock chapters, mock chapter boards, and elections, we were reminded it’s not that deep. Life will be okay if we don’t win or get elected. I am a member of a larger chapter and had never gone through the election process back home before CLTC. Coming into CLTC, I knew I wanted to run, as I’ve heard about it from people who have gone before. I thought it would be fun and rewarding, and an amazing way to fulfill my experience to the maximum potential. 

At one of our programs, we were taught what each position was in detail, and if elected how we would serve. My coordinator, Mimi Simon showed us platforms she had made in the past, and gave us ideas to help us succeed. We were given under 24 hours to create a handwritten speech and platform. They reminded us the key word in mock chapter board was mock. If we lost, we shouldn’t lose hope and not let it affect the rest of our short time at camp. It started to feel super real. But, the adults reminded us to keep reciting “INTD,”  to remind ourselves it would truly be okay if we lost. At first, it felt hard to listen, as all of my emotions felt so big, but later I was grateful for this phrase.

We were given time during our daily chofesh to start planning. I started to brainstorm a theme for my platform and speech, and my qualifications that would make my peers believe I should be our chapter’s Mazkirah. I started writing my speech, asking Mimi for suggestions for what I should keep and change, and she helped me feel more confident in myself. 

Our chofesh came to an end, and I wasn’t close to finishing. There was a sense of stress and division across camp, and all we wanted to do was perfect our speeches. We went through the rest of our night activities, and then right when I got back into my bunk, I picked up where I left off. This time I was more stressed. An hour later, my cabin mates and I were finally putting the finishing touches on our platforms and running through our speeches one last time around midnight. I felt really anxious and it was hard to sleep. But one of my madrichim Cay reminded me once again, it’s not that deep. 

She sat down and explained how I am more than a board position. This is what connected it all for me. I knew I gave it my best, and the results were out of my control. The next morning at breakfast, before elections, we were told how general members are the most important part of a chapter and that you truly can’t have a chapter without them. Though it was hard to hear, I trusted them and went into our chapter room. Before we started, we all together said it’s not that deep and whatever happens, happens. 

So. if you are reading this, it’s not that deep. Do the thing you’ve been scared to do. Run for board. If you lose, it’s not that deep, because there are plenty of other opportunities coming your way, including being the amazing general member that holds the chapter together.