Running for NTO’s regional board was a decision that brought both excitement and uncertainty into my life. The first position I ever held was chapter Orechet, which I loved. I was able to be on the same board as girls I had looked up to as a MIT. I later served as chapter MIT Mom, which I loved just as much. 

My two amazing experiences on chapter board left me wondering which position to run for on regional board. After considering where I could make the most impact, I decided to run for Mazkirah, a decision I couldn’t be happier with. 

Going into fall convention, I was so nervous. Coming from a smaller chapter in NTO, one of just two in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was worried that I would have trouble bonding with the other girls on board if elected. My experience couldn’t have been more different. 

The day of the elections arrived with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The breakfast before was an opportunity for all the candidates to get to know each other. Sitting with all of the other candidates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unity. 

The first hour of elections was a blur as I tried to focus on voting for other candidates, but my mind constantly circled back to my own speech. After giving my own speech, I felt a sense of relief knowing that it was no longer hanging over my head, and I was announced as NTO’s 40th Regional Mazkirah. 

The shared experience of running for a position and putting ourselves out there created a bond among the candidates. One of my biggest takeaways from the election process was the opportunity that there is to learn from each candidate. Win or lose, each candidate has made such a big impact on our region, and I couldn’t be prouder of all of them.