In September 2023, I was just a shy eighth grader who heard about a youth group called BBYO. The girls had all gone to my middle school or lived in my neighborhood, so my parents encouraged me to try it out. What an amazing decision. In April 2025, I caucused for Ha’ela BBG’s chapter Morah and made the decision to sign up for Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC). I got up in front of my chapter and showed my passion for Morah, but unfortunately my peers did not elect me. I was crushed, until I met my best friend. 

As Jewish geography always plays a big part in Jewish teens’ lives, I never expected how it would impact mine. A girl from Miami Region was somehow very connected with my family, and then she became my family. Going on CLTC, you usually don’t know many people. My best friend, Adi, was the reason I loved CLTC so much. Having family connections, we met before the program and got to know each other, leading to us getting very close before the summer. 

CLTC is my why. After losing chapter Morah not one, but two times, I didn’t think BBYO was right for me. When I went off to theasummer program, I made amazing friends from all over the country, learned how to start a chapter, and even ran for the high and honorable position of my mock chapter’s N’siah.

Following an amazing summer, I became chapter Mekasheret and used my skills learned at CLTC to recruit a lot of underclassmen. This only made me more prepared when I ran again for chapter Morah. “Is there a Morah in the house? Yes, and her name is Olivia Bernstein, no emotion.” Tears flew down my face. I finally did it. 

As I was on board for spring term, it was time for the Spring Regional Convention and regional board elections. I caucused for Gold Coast Region’s 23rd Regional Morah. 7 weeks of preparation and anticipation led to March 29, 2026: election day. I stood up in front of all the BBGs in my region and spoke from the heart. Passion, drive, love were all that I showed. I lost, and ended up losing my slide to Sh'licha too. Adi was there to comfort me when the tears once again flew down my face. She was there every time.

Failure does not define you, but it shapes you into a better person, and brings you to a place where you should be instead.