International LIFE Pages of the 89th Grand Board of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and 69th International Board of the B'nai B'rith Girls Ryan Dishell | Page 6
Think about those who care about you. When my older brother
graduated from high school (and thus from BBYO), I was worried that I
couldn’t move forward without his guidance. Despite him stepping out of
the spotlight of BBYO, he managed to stay tuned in on my hard work, and
even my day to day agenda. It’s the sincere support he showed when I
never expected it, nor asked for it, that made it so special. !
!
He founded my chapter and led my region. When I was preparing for my
first chapter board election, he was just elected to the international board.
Talk about big shoes to fill. But the funny thing is that all along the way,
all this time, the support he showed from afar made it evident that he
wanted me to do more than just fill them—he wanted me to outgrow them. !
!
You don’t need to share blood to share these kind of relationships. In
your chapters, in your regions, at your school, find someone younger than
you. With complete sincerity, ask them about themselves. When they return
the pleasantries, maintain that same sincerity. For better or for worse,
sincerity will be the basis of this relationship. In time, you will find as much
pride in their accomplishments as you do in your own. !
!
My brother Alephs in Palisades AZA have allowed me to experience both
sides of this relationship. I’ve learned the importance of being sincere, as
well as the acceptance of others’ sincerity. To all Alephs of this great
chapter, past, present, and future, thank you for the years I’ve had with
you, and the years I’ll be with you from afar.!
!
I’m 5’9 on my best days. I’m about three or four inches shy of
accomplishing my goal, and I’ve accepted that it’s just not my reality. !
!
In failing to physically be tall, my brother by blood, and my brothers in
this Order have made me feel larger than life.!