745 days ago, my life changed for the better. A young, shy, and wacky 8th-grade girl finally got pushed to go to her first program. Hi! My name is Lexi Davidson, and I am a BBG. When I started 8th grade, I had never heard about BBYO. No older siblings in the organization, no cousins in another state talking about it, just me with a whole lot of free time. Thanks to one of our well-known friends, Jewish Geography, a friend of a friend invited my two best friends and me to our first program: Sushi In The Sukkah. Walking in, I was so nervous. The sticky note on the door read “Come In!! :)))” It made my stomach knot. I remember pausing for a second, thinking to myself, ‘Is this something I actually want to do?’ Slowly, I warmed up the courage and walked inside. One hour later, at approximately 7:35 pm, I said my goodbyes and raced outside, jumping with joy into my mom's car, telling her to register me as a member. From here, history begins, and my story started. 

​Before I knew it, election packets were being social media-blasted everywhere I looked. It was December of 2023, and I caucused myself for “Sunshine Girl,” a slightly made-up position in my chapter to find future leaders. It was the night before elections, and I suddenly realized I had no idea what I was doing. No speech, no prior election experiences, and only a handful of BBYO friends. I texted our N’siah resigning from my caucus position. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t show up to BBYO for almost a month after that. When the new term started, I pushed myself to return to BBYO, as it gave me the productivity and social life I needed. 

Spring 2024 rolled around, and that is when things really started changing. I made older friends, became closer to board members, started showing up consistently, and took a huge leap by signing up for the Gold Coast Region’s 2024 Spring Regional Convention. I didn’t know what to expect at all, but I knew I wanted to have fun. From April 12-14, I did just that. I laughed, I jumped, I danced, I made SO many new friends, and most importantly, I had fun. This was also my first time seeing an election take place. Knowing that my vote set the course for the future of my region was like a light bulb going on in my brain. It was at this moment that I knew I wanted to re-caucus for my chapter board. When May 2024 arrived, I re-caucused for Sunshine Girl and ran unopposed. Despite not having another candidate against me, walking up to read my speech made me feel a sense of purpose for where I was. Over the summer, with a slight change in plans, I was assigned to chapter Mazkirah. I had never held a position this high (in or out of school) and was excited to try something new. Little did 14-year-old Lexi know, this was a blessing in disguise. Over the next 5 months, I gave my all to BBYO, signed up for Fall Convention without a second thought, and ended the term on a high note. 

Before I knew it, it was the December 2024 election season. I decided to caucus for chapter Mit Mom (Morah). Unopposed again, I won, but I still had the same feeling of importance and belonging inside me. From January to April, I continued to grow in my chapter and region. I registered for Spring Regional Convention again and made AMAZING friends. They talked about BBYO summer a bunch. I thought to myself, I had my sleepaway camp, and it wouldn’t work for me. On the car ride back, I took a moment to reflect on where I was. I had just spent my weekend having the time of my life and making unforgettable memories. I tried imagining myself at a summer program, and when I arrived home, I made that dream a reality. I took my next big step and registered for CLTC 3 just an hour after the convention had ended. The week after SRC, election packets were sent out. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was at the stage in my BBYO journey where I wanted to run for N’siah. I took the chance and caucused myself for the high and honorable position. When I arrived at elections, I learned one of my best friends was caucusing for N’siah as well. Shocked, I kept my head up and read my speech confidently. The election was rough; reading my speech in front of 20+ other girls had me counting how many votes I needed to win. Then, holding my breath, the election body asked, "Is there a N’siah in the house?” and the N’siah at the time stated, “Yes, and her name is Lexi Davidson, no reaction.” I took a seat, proudly looking around the room at the enormous achievement I had just accomplished. 

I started applying for the Summer Press Corps, making a packing list, and posting myself on the 3LTC Instagram account. Summer rolled around faster than ever, and suddenly I was carrying my duffels through the airport alone. To say CLTC 3 changed me would be an understatement. The people, the place, the stories, the memories, the list goes on. It is the friendships I made in this short time frame of just 13 days that have furthered the love I have as a BBG. From all around the globe, I met AZA’s and BBG’s who are just as passionate about BBYO as I am.

Now, I serve as L’Olam BBG’s #2661 20th N’siah, and could not be more proud. My chapter, my board, the environment during programs, and, most importantly, the smiles on girls’ faces—pure joy as they find their belonging in BBYO. Without each of these events happening in my BBYO path, the road ahead could be completely different. I urge every BBG to get involved—you never know where it could take you!

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