When I first joined BBYO in eighth grade, I was overly ambitious. I immediately charted an entire leadership path for myself, one I hoped I would fulfill throughout my years in the organization: I would serve on my chapter board, become a chapter N’siah, and then serve on the regional board and work my way through the positions there. 

I thought being a leader in BBYO meant that you had to hold a tangible position within your region, someone younger or newer chapter members could look up to. Over time, however, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always have to be standing at the front of a convention stage leading a program - it can be quiet, more reserved, and giving others the chance to hear your voice through your writing. 

For me, that discovery began with finding Press Corps under one of the divisions of the International Leadership Network and gaining the confidence to apply. I’ve always loved writing, whether it be writing in my free time or serving on my high school newspaper’s editorial board as an editor, but never did I imagine applying my writing to BBYO, or anything concerning my Jewish identity.

In my junior year of high school, I joined the Press Corps team as a press correspondent. While I started small with basic stories, it quickly became an outlet for me to connect with my Jewish community, express my identity, and truly define what “being Jewish” means to me. 

As I continued to write, I saw my work becoming something far greater than just my words, but words that affected teenagers nationwide. I learned the power of telling one’s story. The power of expressing my thoughts impacted more than just me. 

On my school newspaper, I have always served as a section editor, coordinating and leading the Online Opinions section, Community section, and now News section in my sophomore, junior, and senior years, respectively. When I became an Editor-in-Chief of the Shofar this year, I realized my role was shifting from just writing my own articles to helping others find their voices, put their thoughts and beliefs into words, and see that the correspondents in my Hub all adhere to deadlines. 

The Shofar is more than just an international newspaper publication, but rather an outlet for aspiring writers and journalists. No matter what region you come from, which chapter you belong to, or which part of the organization you identify with, you can come together, write for Press Corps, and see the value that your work can bring. 

As I reflect on my journey to finding my love of journalism, I’ve realized how the stories we tell are not solely words, but rather telling our stories, especially in Press Corps. They define who we are and the messaging we want to convey to our readers. Not every article we write will always be perfect, and what makes a story “good” isn’t necessarily about making it 100% flawless; it’s the ability to be vulnerable, experiment with your words and with your voice, and be your authentic self. 

Now, looking back on my BBYO journey, I may not be that chapter N’siah or regional board member I yearned for in eighth grade, but I am something even better: a leader in the area I love most, journalism and Press Corps. 

No matter the size, everyone leaves an impact in BBYO in some way - for me, that legacy is my writing and my passion for sharing stories with others.