8.01.2013


Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Sixth Edition, August 1, 2013

Featured Alumni: 
Alexandra Helfgott, Rachel Wasserman, and Daniel Gonzalez 
(The GAHOBY Ambassadors at WLC 2013)


Alexandra Helfgott
Augusta Preparatory Day School

After spending the weekend at Georgia HOBY with 250 ambassadors from all over the state cheering, finding out what kind of  leaders  we were, and ready to make changes in our communities, I knew I needed to attend the World Leadership Congress. In my opinion, the speakers who made the biggest impressions were Josh Levs, Dave Gamache, and Brian Selander. Josh Levs, a CNN correspondent, encouraged us the be the best version of ourselves we can be, "Be different. Be original. The world needs you". Dave Gamache truly touched us all. He is the presenter who shared Rachel's Challenge with us. Rachel's Challenge is the story about Rachel Scott, the first victim in the Columbine High School shooting. The presentation was powerful and showcased Rachel’s life and most importantly her life goal to strive for continual kindness. This quote written by Rachel, “Don't let your character change color with your environment. Find out who you are and let it stay its true color" inspired me the most. Brian Selander is a WLC alumnus who encouraged all of us to reach for the stars and do whatever we wanted. His motto for taking initiative, "Why not me? I'm HOBY!", which really hit home for the ambassadors and made us realize that we could do anything we set our mind to. HOBY has changed my life for the better. The bonds I have made at both GAHOBY and WLC are forever unbreakable. My new friends live all around the world and I can count on them for anything! Before, I was shy and was working on my confidence. I knew I wanted to make an impact on my community, and now as a result from HOBY, I would like to begin a nonprofit organization to provide inspirational journals for pediatric hospital patients.

Rachel Wasserman
Lumpkin County High School

On our first night at WLC, in our first meeting with HOBY Daddy Russ, he said the time and date "July 20, 2013. 8:11 pm central" and that in a week we would be wishing to be right back where we were at that very moment. At first, I thought a week would take forever in HOBY time. But quickly I realized how fast life's roller coaster is, and that we should cherish every moment. After meeting my group for the first time Saturday night, in the following 24 hours we had laughed together, cried together, and felt every emotion in between. Without trying, we formed lifelong friendships and a family bond that will never break. One of my dreams since I was little has always been to major in international relations, and Cynthia Hass (one of my role models, an international relations and business communications major who serves as an advocate for girls in the UN Foundation Girl Up campaign) was a speaker on our Social Media panel. I got to listen to her on how she got to where she was through Facebook, and then afterward I had a private conversation with her on the steps she took to get to where she is now in her education.  She was definitely one of my favorite speakers! WLC has changed my life. I came back home with an open mind, a new found self confidence, and a completely new outlook on life. World Leadership Congress was the best week of my life, and I would do anything to go back to July 20, 2013. 8:11 pm central time. 

Daniel Gonzalez
Lassiter High School

WLC was so much more than a week of such laughter, and compassion surrounded by amazing people. WLC is a bucket overflowing with positivity, motivation, and joy.  I have to say my favorite moment was at the dance at the end when all 432 ambassadors from 15 countries and 43 US states came together to celebrate our power, success, and individuality on closing ceremonies.  My favorite speaker was definitely Mr. Brian Selander.  He shared his success and begged the question “Why not you?”  This was the first time I asked myself this question, and realized all the potential I have right now. I also had the opportunity to partake in a service project.  I have always understood that service is an extremely important aspect of leadership, but I’ve never really seen the impact it has.  I had the chance to spend time with 6 and 7 year olds who did not come from the best of home situations. I have made connections with people around the globe.  One of my new best friends lives in Hong Kong, and I hope to stay in touch with all these amazing people for my lifetime.  WLC taught me that I don’t have to wait to make an impact, I can be the driving force at the start of a chain reaction of respect, kindness, and good will.




All of the WLC 2013 attendees (ambassadors and staff) 
















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