One of the most special parts of BBYO is the friendships you make from places you may have never visited before. Through regional conventions, International Conventions, and leadership networks, you can develop relationships with teens who live hundreds and even thousands of miles away. 

Recently, one of my BBYO friends from California came to visit me in Oregon. We originally met through BBYO at International Convention 2026, and it became very exciting to spend time together outside of a convention and show her what life is like here in Oregon.  

Having friends in different regions is something I have really enjoyed from being involved in BBYO. BBYO has introduced me to people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. Without it, I may have never had the opportunity and pleasure to develop a friendship that would actually bring us together in Oregon.

Maintaining friendships across states is not always easy. With school, activities, and commitments, finding time and opportunities to see each other can be very difficult. However, staying connected throughout the year, through things like texting here and there and calling for hours on the weekend, is an important experience to build a long-distance friendship.

As I continue my BBYO journey, I hope to experience more opportunities like this and to build and grow new and existing friendships. While conventions may only last a few days, I look forward to continuing friendships outside of BBYO, reconnecting with long-distance friends at future events, and hopefully welcoming more of my BBYO friends to Oregon again.