BBYO International Convention Was "My Calling" And Had Me Staying Up Until "3AM"
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

BBYO International Convention Was "My Calling" And Had Me Staying Up Until "3AM"

"Together we will."

925
BBYO International Convention Was "My Calling" And Had Me Staying Up Until "3AM"
Insatgram / alphaepsilonpi

Over President's Day weekend, thousands of Jewish teens in BBYO from around the world gathered in Orlando, Florida for a weekend of fun, and it's what we all call the International Convention. BBYO is a Jewish teen youth group that spreads across the world, uniting Jewish teens together as one, experiencing what it is like to be in a community that shares the same religion.

Throughout the school year, BBYO and its hundreds of AZA (Aleph Zadik Aleph) boys' chapters and BBG (B'nai B'rith Girls) chapters plan and execute their own events, dances, fundraisers and conventions. Because BBYO spreads across the world, it is hard to unite all of BBYO, but one time every year, we are able to do that at the International Convention.

I attended the International Convention this year for the first time in Orlando, Florida. I've just got to say that it was the most amazing time of my life. I was able to meet with Jews from all across the world, as well as spending time with some of my best friends from my region of BBYO, Greater Atlanta.

Over a course of four days, I was able to say that I have done so many new things and had so many new experiences. The first night (although it took an eight hour bus ride to get there) was amazing. It was hectic getting hotel rooms and getting used to a huge hotel, but I was able to see how amazing and expansive BBYO really is. Multiple inspirational speakers came to speak to us, one being the well-known Scott Rogowskiof the trivia game HQ. He spoke to us about his life as a Jew. Then, the three-brother band AJRcame as a surprise performance with songs like "My Calling" and "3AM," and to be honest, after that concert, they are now one of my favorite bands ever.

There were so many events that happened over the course of the weekend. Everyone chose a leadership lab to complete either on-site of the hotel or off-site. I want to be a teacher as my career, so I chose "Hands-on With America's Education Gap" where we traveled to a local elementary school for underprivileged children and completed a service project with them. It was one of the most amazing experiences ever, because I was able to bond with almost every single student, even though I only spent an hour or two with them. This made me want to be a teacher even more than before.

We also had multiple discussion sessions and learning sessions about Judaism and how we can connect with our religion. Almost once a day we were given the opportunity to choose between different workshops, all of which were very interesting. Some were informational, and others were fun.

What a lot of people were looking forward to were the other guest speakers and concert performers. Some people who attended were Abby Wambach, Olympic gold-medalist soccer player, actor Josh Peck and many more. As the last night came around, I had made so many connections and new friends. That night there was another concert in which Daya, Fetty Wap and Steve Aoki performed. Everyone loved it, and even though it was the last night, it was the most fun.

International Convention introduced me to so many new people and even helped me discover parts of myself and learn new things about Judaism. I had the time of my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70830
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132439
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments