When I first joined BBYO, I had no idea how much it would shape me as a leader, a friend, and a person, but along the way I learned some key lessons that made all the difference in my experience.

1. Don’t join a chapter just to follow your friends
When I first joined BBYO, I thought I had it all figured out. I wanted to be in the same chapter as all the girls I already knew. But life had other plans, and I ended up somewhere completely different. Looking back, it turned out to be the biggest blessing of all.
I met my very best friends in Litzor, and I wouldn’t trade those friendships for anything. It’s easy to stick with what’s familiar, but BBYO is all about growing, exploring, and making new connections. Trust the process. Sometimes the unexpected path leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

2. Finding “your people” takes time
I’ll be honest, I didn’t click with a group right away. After going to event after event, I started feeling so discouraged. I thought maybe BBYO just wasn’t for me. But here’s the thing: sometimes you don’t find a friend group. You build one.
Through showing up, getting involved, and putting myself out there, I formed the closest circle of friends I could ever ask for. It wasn’t instant, but it was worth it. BBYO taught me that good things take time, and that’s okay.

3. Run for board (even if your friends are, too)!
I spent the weeks leading up to my first chapter election terrified. What if I had to run against my best friends? Would it ruin our friendships? Spoiler alert: It didn’t!
I ran anyway, and that term on board ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I grew as a leader, built confidence, and felt more connected to my chapter. Don’t hold yourself back from amazing opportunities because of “what-ifs.” Take the leap—you might surprise yourself.

4. Say yes to opportunities, even if they’re outside of your comfort zone!
As terrified as I was to run for board, it was an opportunity that pushed me to develop my leadership skills and grow as a person, and I wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t said yes to the people encouraging me to run.
Although it was uncomfortable for me, being on board was a great experience, and this inspired me to register for CLTC. Even though I’m nervous about attending, I know that CLTC will be an amazing opportunity for me, despite the fact that it’s outside of my comfort zone.

5. Get involved in as many ways as you can!
What you get out of BBYO is truly what you put into it. Attend as many events as you can, go to conventions, and be active, because BBYO can change your life as much as it has changed mine. The more active I became, the more I enjoyed events, and this pushed me to run for board.
Being on board was such a learning experience for me, and I became even more involved in my community because of it.

I hope that these five things will help you succeed in BBYO and have the best time you possibly can! I wish I had known these before joining, and following them helped me become a better person and grow through BBYO.