Seattle Teen Reflects on BYR — and What Makes It So Special

My name is Noemi, I am 17 and am from the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. 

If someone had told me the BCA’s Buddhist Youth Retreat (BYR) was going to be a highlight of my summer, I wouldn’t have believed you. 

The conversations, lessons and, most important, the friendships I made at the BYR this summer were unique and special.

My junior year of high school was rough, to say the least. I had to get multiple surgeries and missed a lot of school. I tore my ACL and had complications from the first procedure, which ended my high school athletic career. 

Grappling with the fact that I won’t get to play my senior soccer season combined with being physically unwell for the winter and spring this year took a toll on me. 

Going into the summer, I was burnt out and not feeling like myself. 

BYR gave me the space to take a break, reflect on my situation and allowed me to view everything going on in a new light. Allowing students to leave for a week and giving them teachings that they can apply to any event that arises is huge. 

Being a teen Jodo Shinshu Buddhist is rare. Now I am connected with 14 teenagers who I share this part of my identity. Through a week of laughing, talking and chanting, the bonds that were formed are unlike any others I’ve made. 

My energy shift from before to after the retreat was not only noticeable to me, but also to the people around me. 

Teenagers having to navigate social, academic and other sectors of their lives is difficult. Providing a place where we can feel safe and open to sharing our feelings with each other is so important — and the way in which BYR does it is unmatched. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to BYR and look forward to keeping in touch with my new friends.