points of view Commentary BBYU Helps Pay It Forward G .11 Huge Savings on Ink and Toner Supplies For all of your Printers, Copiers, and Fax Machines $7.00 off the purchase of one inkjet cartridge $11.00 off the purchase of one toner cartridge Printer Model # Printer Cartridge(s) # Offer expires November 30, 2013 RAPID REFILLTM PRINTING. SMARTER. 27601 Southfield Road, Lathru• Villa•e, MI 48076 When you need it now Servicing all of Metro Detroit Area Free Delivery on all orders over $50 27601 Southfield Road Lathrup Village 248-423-1231 www.rapidrefill128.com email: 128@rapidrefillink.net Ivl F 8am 7pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-3pm Follow us on Facebook - - f Rapid Refill-Lathrup-Village /61 BernardWealthManagement Retirement Planning Investment Management Financial Counseling Kenneth M.Bernard,CFA, President Your trusted partner for all financial issues. 28411 Northwestern Highway • Suite 200 • Southfield, Ml 48034 Office: 248-556-2900 • www.bernard-wealth.com 54390 I ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107 Keep your company top of mind with our readers. Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com 56 November 7 • 2013 rowing up, I had always been involved in many extracurricular activi- ties. The one I was most pas- sionate about was BBYO. It helped me with many aspects of my life, gave me direction and shaped me into a leader. I developed strong leadership skills, deepened my Jewish connection and made lifelong :- friends. Fast forward five years and I found myself as an adviser to the very chapter that I was a founding member of (Kulanu BBG 14419). It has been an incredible journey to pay it for- ward. It is one of the best experiences I've had as an adult. One of the great attributes of BBYO is the role that an adviser takes. We empower teens to reach their own poten- tial. We support and advise; but the strength of the BBYO mis- sion is to allow young leaders an opportunity to make smart decisions that will help them grow and succeed. As advisers, we work in part- nership with professional staff to guide and provide insight and perspective. Being an adviser is such a fun job, but it does have its responsibilities. The coolest part about BBYO is that it is a teen- led organization; meaning as an adviser, I am there to oversee their programs, not plan them. As a volunteer, I do what fits my schedule. There is no set time commitment, and my involve- ment is flexible and varied. I have taken an active role with my chapter, planning and participating in social, cultural and religious events, commu- nity service, social action, con- ventions and weekend retreats. I have been the "go to" person when someone is overwhelmed or a member simply needs someone to talk to or bounce ideas off of. I feel I have taught these teens a lot about what it takes to be an effective leader. I have witnessed young members build character and confidence as they become more active in leadership roles. It is rewarding to see them mature into com- mitted strong individuals and know that I played a role in this. I believe many will look back at their time in BBYO and attri- bute a part of their success to being active in BBG or AZA. Blazing A Trail Advising has opened doors and led to other opportunities for me. I have staffed the Jewish Community Alternative Spring Break program in Belize and a two-week BBYO summer expe- rience in Wisconsin. Another added perk has been connecting with other adult advis- ers who want to help shape the next generation of young Jewish leaders. We get together every few months both socially and work related. I also get to enjoy the com- pany of other advisers at the programs and events I attend outside of our region. Just as teens bounce ideas off of me, I am able to bounce ideas off of other advisers and use them as a resource for myself and my chapter. I set out to give back to this great organization that gave me so much, but somewhere along the way, I was amazed by how much I have received in return. As Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." I have loved being part of the lives of such extraordinary teens and being active in our Detroit Jewish community. ❑ Blair Schwartz, 25, teaches in the Waterford School District. She lives in Royal Oak and has been a BBYO adviser for four years. BBYO adviser opportunities are available for Jewish individuals 21 and older. Contact Lindsey Rosenberg, program director at BBYO Michigan Region: (248) 432-5680 or LRosenberg@ bbyo.org .