I became part of the HOBY family as a second cousin, or maybe an in-law...my oldest daughter Abbey was selected as an ambassador in 2007, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. We moved to Texas from Connecticut when she was in the 8th grade and she was not happy about it (understatement.) Thanks to some wonderful friends she became active in Student Council which led to her nomination. HOBY seemed to be a turning point for her, one which she has never turned back from. She became more confident and sure of herself and her convictions...if you know Abbey well I realize it is hard to believe she hasn't always been so "passionate"! It was as though HOBY was the missing piece to a puzzle just waiting to be completed, and she has been 'going confidently in the direction of her dreams' ever since. When Abbey was in the second grade she had to make a poster about what she liked and didn't like (I still remember she drew cute little green peas as dislikes, and soccer as her favorite sport...go figure) and what she wanted to be when she grew up. She drew a picture of herself as the first female President of the United States. Not being much of a conformist that is probably not in her future, however, I have no doubt--with HOBY by her side--she will do great things in this world.
My son Jimmy was nominated as an ambassador in 2009. Although they are brother and sister they have very different leadership qualities that were nurtured by their experiences at HOBY. Jimmy has always been the "mayor", as we call him. Everyone always knows him, sometimes they are not sure how they know him, they just do. When he walks into a room it is like you can feel the energy...and HOBY has electrified him! Year after year when seminar starts Jimmy becomes an exponent of himself. His ability to motivate others, make them feel good about themselves, and just pump up the crowd becomes almost magical when surrounded by the HOBY "vibe". I can't really explain it, I guess I should given I will be LSC next year, but I really can't put words to it. Maybe having 300 people together, ambassadors and staff included, that all want to have a positive impact on our community, in one way, shape or form, is infectious.
Daughter #2 (only in birth order...don't worry) Molly was an ambassador last year. I don't think, even though she had listened to endless stories about HOBY, she had any idea what to expect. We all tried very hard to stay away from her during the seminar as we wanted her to have her own experiences...and boy did she! She seems to be an interesting mix between Abbey and Jimmy...passionate about topics that are important to her but also that girl that will act absolutely ridiculous if it means it will make someone smile. Once again, HOBY has helped to guide her ideas of leadership and how that looks for her, as she is again very different in many ways from her siblings.
And of course, we have Megan who will hopefully be HOBY 2015...wow...
What I love about HOBY, and the principles that the program is based on, is that what kind of leader it helps you to become is up to you. You decide what that will look like and how it will manifest itself in your life. Although it may change as you get older, the path that these skills take you down is up to you...but it is really comforting to know that your HOBY family will be by your side, holding your hand throughout your journey.
Thank you Hugh O'Brien for letting us be a part of your family.
Lisa "Momma" Walsh
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