-Shardule Shah
Take a few deep breaths

It’s all over now

Yah, I’m talking about YJA 2008

But the memories will last forever
Let me take you back to the entrance

Hershey Kisses and a Chanlo

Friendly greetings by the board

Nervousness and excitement fell upon all
How was it going to be?

Who were we going to meet?

But all was laid to rest by the time Garba rolled around

The energy was sky high and the ice cream just right for the evening
The next few days

Will Tuttle, Gurudev and Pramodabhen Chitrabhanu, and all the other dignitaries presented us with a gift

Knowledge and the thirst for more…their mere presence touched us all

They knew what the youth go through on a daily basis
Speakers and attendees were not so much talker and listener

But rather two active participants in a conversation

Walls were broken

And lessons were taught
It’s sort of hard to tangibly sum up what we all miss

Just the mere presence of 800 unique, yet like-minded individuals in the same area

Something about that feeling

Something that cannot be recaptured
Just smile when you think about the Mela

Just smile when you think about speed dating at JNF

Throw your head back and laugh when you remember what embarrassing things you revealed about yourself at icebreakers

Chuckle a little when you think about how much attention you put into getting ready for each day
Know that all of the people who were there now share a common bond

A bond of friendship that will pass through the tests of Facebook, GTalk, and AIM

A bond of friendship that unites us under one roof (or tent!)

A bond of friendship so tight that even though years may pass until we see each other again, it would be as if a beat was not missed
This is the story of YJA 2008

How do you remember your chapter being written?

Do you want to experience this all over again?

Just go to YJA 2010