9.26.2014

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Twenty-First Edition, September 26, 2014

Featured Alumna: Lizbeth Peña '11

My name is Lizbeth Pena. It’s been a while since I attended HOBY, and yet, I can say with confidence that attending HOBY was one of my most memorable high school experiences. Now that I am college bound, I still look back at that three day weekend and remember the chants, songs, and overall environment that made HOBY so magical. Overall, the presentations were uplifting and wonderful. But the memory that resonates with me the most was one of the last events. As all the ambassadors gathered one last time to share what we had learned, I sat cross-legged on the floor listening to all their stories. I was always one of those students to just sit and listen, afraid that someone would judge me for my opinion or defy what I had to say. But that day, I stood up. I don’t remember what I said or the context behind why I said it, but I remember letting my tears run with a feeling of empowerment as my words weakly escaped my mouth. I think that was one of the catalysts that made me realize the strength of my individuality and my voice. If being surrounded by individuals who were willing to accept me as I was without even knowing me was not enough to push me to find confidence in myself to speak, and then I would never be able to break out of my shell. HOBY was that catalyst that made understand that having a voice holds no power without confidence. I can think and feel any way that I want, but if I bottle it up and never share it with anyone, what difference does it make? A leader is not just one who can stand in front of a crowd and speak. A leader is also one who can sit back and listen. And one can be just as hard as the other. I will forever cherish my fruitful experience in HOBY and appreciate the little things that made a huge difference.


HOBY Info:
Kroger Community Rewards Program
  • If you have a Kroger Plus Card, send some dollars to HOBY through this program!
  • Keep it up, all the funds ensure the best seminars possible!

Social Networking!!!
  • Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
  • Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
  • Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
  • Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours
  • Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
  • Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
  •  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog
  • If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
  • Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

9.02.2014

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Twentieth Edition, September 2, 2014

Featured Alumnus: Kyle Stapleton '03


My name is Kyle Stapleton, and I attended Georgia HOBY …  a while ago. I’ll just say that 50 Cent’s “21 Questions” was the #1 song in the country at that time. I had a great experience on the Oglethorpe campus that weekend, carrying the lessons and the great conversations forward with me. Fast forward many years, and my good friend Cameron “Daddy Cam” Bridges posts something on Facebook about leading the HOBY conference, to which I casually replied something about my having been a HOBY ambassador, that I couldn’t believe what a small world it was, etc. I didn’t think much of it … but fortunately, Cam did. Ever the schemer, he encouraged me to apply to be a Senior Facilitator. And what a great stroke of luck that was! I had a fantastic group that I watched grow from strangers, reluctant to share or be open, to a group of friends, on the same wavelength with their commitment to be OUTSTANDING servant leaders for their friends, families, and communities. We even managed to sneak in a laugh or two. Since I managed not to get run off last year, this past year I had the tremendous honor of speaking to the group about Leadership for Society. We had a lively conversation about finding your passion, and I gained a new perspective yet again on what intelligent, engaged, empathetic, and (most of all) fun folks take part in the HOBY experience. HOBY’s benefitted me in more ways than I can count, but what I really value about HOBY is the people. Any organization that gives people a home in which to be themselves – and brings them together to grow alongside supportive, life-loving peers and mentors – is all right by me. I’m so proud to be a thread in the fabric of this wonderful organization.

HOBY Info:
Kroger Community Rewards Program
  • If you have a Kroger Plus Card, send some dollars to HOBY through this program!
  • Keep it up, all the funds ensure the best seminars possible!

Social Networking!!!
  • Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
  • Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
  • Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
  • Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours
  • Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
  • Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
  •  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog
  • If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
  • Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post