A “word” is defined in the dictionary as a sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a combination of morphemes. “Words” in my time so far in BBYO mean something completely different. For me, words in BBYO have been life-changing. They have made me cry, laugh, and smile, impacting what I am going to do with my life. Until my time in BBYO started in 8th grade, I never knew how much words can impact a person. Rewind to November 2024- Eastern Region’s Fall Convention: My second-ever convention, and my first time getting regionally inducted. When I stepped into the room for inductions, set up with candles and quiet, I knew it was going to be a meaningful moment. After we were inducted, we went around the room, throwing a yarn ball to someone and saying kind words about them. Amy Gendil, the SEC Nsiah at that time, threw her yarn to me. She was someone I looked up to, and she started telling me I was going to go far in life and that I impacted everyone around me. The ordinary person might just think that was sweet and go on. But for people involved in BBYO, it means so much more. In BBYO, words like these make you feel seen. You feel like you could do anything at that moment. After everyone else took their turns, a graduating senior named Ayla Kell took me aside and sat me down. She started telling me she wanted to give her yarn to me because she thinks I am going to go far in BBYO. As she continued to flood me with meaningful words, one by one, regional board members who were practically famous to me came up beside me and Ayla, and all of them pitched into the conversation. My heart skipped a beat. All of my role models at once huddled around me, bursting with encouraging words. This moment will always remind me why I do BBYO. The people make the place, but the words they say stay implanted in your brain.

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