The world as we know it is changing. Due to the restrictions that Covid-19 has presented us with, we have had to adapt and re-evaluate how we do everything. It is very easy to become saddened by the experiences that have been taken away from us due to the pandemic especially in regard to International Convention. Although it may take a while to see it, there are many benefits that have come with a virtual experience. As BBYO teens, we have always been able to see the light in even the darkest of situations, and this year has been no different. Leaders worldwide have worked to ensure that the same level of program excellence that we are known for could be translated to the online stage and elevated in ways no one would have thought possible. Due to these individuals, as well as the resilience of members across the globe, BBYO was able to host an incredible virtual IC experience, consisting of many things that would not have been possible at an in-person convention.

1. Invitados especiales

El entorno virtual nos ha permitido invitar a decenas de ponentes especiales, artistas y políticos para que celebren nuestra orden con nosotros. Como movimiento, somos conocidos por nuestro impecable cartel de IC, y este año hemos logrado llevarlo a nuevas cotas. Ahora bien, quizá te preguntes: ¿en qué se diferencia este año de todos los demás? Y si es así, aquí tienes la respuesta. Muchas personas famosas no tienen tiempo para volar a una convención presencial y hablar con los adolescentes de nuestra orden. Es mucho más fácil simplemente encender la cámara para una breve sesión de entrevistas de una hora y luego poder continuar con su agenda habitual. Por lo tanto, es posible que algunas de las personas increíbles que hemos podido traer a la IC de este año no hubieran podido asistir de otra manera.

2. Conocer a más adolescentes

When we are at an in-person IC, we have the incredible opportunity to room with three other teens from around the globe; however, at this virtual IC, we have had the opportunity to “room” with nine other teens! Through this opportunity, BBGs and Alephs alike have been given the chance to compete in competitions and to build strong relationships with far more teens within their “rooms” than they typically would. Through the roommate challenges offered this year, teens have been able to bond with their roommates on a deeper level, for they have been pushed to exemplify both teamwork and cooperation skills within their “rooms.”

3. Estar bien descansado

Por mucho que, en el fondo, a todos nos encante esa sensación de agotamiento que nos acompaña durante unas dos semanas después del IC, este año nos ha permitido disfrutar de verdad de todo lo que ofrece el IC con la mente bien descansada. Este año hemos podido asistir a todas las actividades con mucho ánimo y nos hemos mantenido más atentos y despiertos. Gracias a ello, los adolescentes han demostrado una gran capacidad de participación y se han involucrado en todo lo que ofrece el IC.

4. Comidas caseras

Aunque la comida en un IC presencial pueda estar deliciosa, no hay nada como poder disfrutar de una comida casera en medio de un fin de semana ajetreado. La comida es combustible, y es muy importante que nuestro cuerpo esté a pleno rendimiento, sobre todo durante un fin de semana repleto de actividades y momentos que no nos podemos perder. Comer bien y cuidar nuestro cuerpo nos permite dar lo mejor de nosotros mismos y estar presentes en las actividades en las que participamos. Este cambio nos ha permitido sacar el máximo partido a nuestra experiencia en el IC.

5. Escribir la historia

Attending IC virtually is not what most of us would have wished for this year’s IC experience; however, as attendees of a virtual convention, we are making history. We will go down as the individuals who participated, led, steered, and showed up for an unheard-of IC experience. We have each revolutionized the way we participate in BBYO programming.

As you can see, there have been so many advantages to a virtual IC experience. All those in attendance would surely agree that it truly went above and beyond all of their expectations. This experience has been one that no one would have expected and will be an IC that will forever be remembered. Through this convention, BBYO has been able to do what it always does–create a space that feels like home, no matter the circumstances.