“Identity, identity, who am I? A BBG!” When I first joined BBYO, I never truly grasped this quote. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that one’s identity and core could be shaped by just a few programs. But that was until I ran for Chapter Morim, and my perspective completely and utterly changed. What once felt like just words in a cheer has become the heartbeat of my experience, a constant reminder of BBYO's power.

To truly understand my passion for the role of Morim, you have to go back to my first-ever separates. I remember sitting in a circle with plastic cups behind our backs, each girl silently placing a candy heart into the cup of the girl who best embodied the prompt read aloud by regional members, prompts like “Who drives you to be a better version of yourself?” or “Who is a strong leader?” Watching this quiet, thoughtful act of appreciation unfold — seeing girls recognized, loved, and valued in such a simple way — completely changed how I viewed BBG. That day, I realized my passion was in helping create that sense of belonging for each and every BBG, to know that if I can make even one girl feel seen, valued, loved or supported- if she knows she has at least one person who will constantly love her, be proud of her and believe in her- than I know I have succeeded.

But through being Chapter Morim, it has not only shaped the way I view my chapter and BBYO, but also who I am as a person and changed many aspects of myself. I constantly notice how I bring my values from this role into my everyday life and friendships. One of the most important parts of being Morim is making genuine and sincere connections with each and every MIT. Through getting to know them beyond BBYO and allowing them to see you as more than just a mentor, but also as a friend. What creates active members who develop a true passion for BBG are the little things: every reminder that you enjoyed seeing them at a program, every hug when you first see them, or every small gesture that lets them know they are seen and loved for exactly who they are. Every time you go out of your way to make sure someone has a person to lean on, it carries weight. Through my experience, I have learned the importance of bringing these values beyond BBG, embedding them in every friendship and person I meet. I now constantly find ways to make people feel seen and included, so everyone feels like they have someone who cares about them, just as I do in my position.

“Identity, identity, who am I? A BBG!” This line has become so much more than a chant to me, but rather a representation of my identity growth, not only through who I am in BBYO, but also through the constant values and lessons from being a chapter morim that I’ve brought into every friendship, every stranger, and every aspect of myself. In this role, I’ve consistently found small ways to help everyone feel like they belong, and I’ve also found my own sense of belonging. It's shaped my identity in the most sincere way, by altering how I show up and how I love the people who surround me.

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