I never imagined that some of my closest friendships would come from people living in places I've never even been. Through BBYO I have made those friendships. From different experiences such as International Convention and International Kallah. 

International Convention, I didn’t know what to expect. I only knew the people from Baltimore that were going. However I walked into my room and met one of my best friends who I now talk to every day. One place on the Map I've never been to, Wisconsin. Then I met so many other people from all over the world, like Texas, Israel, New Jersey, London, Spain, and so many more. 

Months later, one person from somewhere I had never been, convinced me to go to Kallah. I am so grateful for this person, because he pushed me to do something out of my comfort zone. Going to Kallah I knew even less people. In total I knew 3. But very soon that would change. From having people in my dorm from Chicago, Texas, Japan, Israel, Boston, Philly, Canada, and more.

Then in Beitenu, which was my true favorite part of Kallah, I met my small kallah family from Germany to Atlanta. Just as time went on through different activities I met people from florida, israel, oregon, north carolina, etc.  Then I led BBG Separates, where I met my group. Where we called ourselves Touse Banana. We were truly a mixture of America, Baltimore, LA, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio. However, all these people I have met became my family. My Brothers and Sisters for life. BBYO gave me them and I will hold them near and dear to my heart forever.

So if you're seeing this, go out of your comfort zone and say yes, because you never know who you will meet.