Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Eighth Edition, September 24, 2013

Featured Alumnus: Peter Fechter '13

HOBY isn’t just an organization, it is a family. I didn’t know what to expect when I was pulling into Berry College, but as soon as I stepped out of my car I was swarmed by a crazed group of Junior Staff. At first, the songs felt awkward and I was too shy to talk to anyone. However, only 5 hours later, I was screaming “OUTSTANDING DOUBLE CLAP!!!”, singing my heart out about “da moose”, and swinging my hips to “ALRIGHT-ALRIGHT-ALRIGHT” with my fellow HOBY’ers. Two of my fondest memories of HOBY were the talent show and the personal stories we shared with each other on Sunday night. It shocked me that 48 hours ago I didn’t know any of these people but at that moment I never felt more comfortable speaking in front of a group. They weren’t strangers any more they were family. Not only did I make new friends at HOBY, but I also became truly passionate about service through the life stories of the speakers. Saying my last raspy, tear filled goodbyes to everyone was really hard but I was ready to go home and not only make a change in my community, but also “Redefine Normal”. My HOBY mindset stayed with me an today I am Eagle Scout teaching others, an Executive Member of the Augusta Red Cross, and a dedicated member of my school’s Service Club. HOBY made me more passionate about helping others. More importantly, it changed my view on life and how I view others. Our redefining normal theme has encouraged me to appreciate the views and lifestyles of others and allowed me to see how OUTSTANDING they are. HOBY was the most OUTSTANDING experience I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t think twice if I had the chance to do it all over again. One HOBY speaker shared a quote with us that I live by every day, “Choose to breathe, do not inhale simply to exist”. 

HOBY Info:

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Seventh Edition, August 23, 2013

Featured Alumna: Hannah Ki Bass '06

Before it was just something that may or not be fun, but would probably look good on my college application. It turned out to be an amazing experience. My HOBY story started in 2006, I wrote an essay on leadership and was chosen by my school to attend as an Ambassador from Colquitt County. Since then, I’ve been involved with HOBY as a part of both junior and senior staff. HOBY challenged me to take my passions and use them to better my community. There was a standing exercise used to demonstrate statistics, and as I stood in representation of my subgroup a mini advocate was born. As such in high school I logged over 500 volunteer hours at a woman’s crisis pregnancy center, HOPE House. HOBY had challenged me. As a college student (Asbury) I traveled to 13 different countries and worked with orphanages and abused women. HOBY helped drive me. Now I sit at my computer telling my story, excited for a HOBY reunion with other planners in this family for the chance the meet you! To pass it along so that you might have the chance to be OUTSTANDING!!!!

HOBY Info:

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

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) 

Rachel, Daniel, and Alexandra holding the Georgia sign

HOBY Info:

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Fifth Edition, July 14, 2013

Featured Alumna: Caro Addams '12

HOBY has inspired me in so many ways. I first went to HOBY in 2012 as a Howard School Ambassador. At first, I was very nervous, but by the end of the weekend, I didn't want to leave. I made so many new friends there who supported me in becoming a better leader and made me want to come back. I always had a hard time speaking about my ideas, but HOBY has helped me work on that. I often have a hard time speaking loudly in front of big groups. I was nervous to read my poem at the variety show but I did it with all my friends supporting me. After HOBY, I did lots of volunteer work and even worked for a teen newspaper, VOX. I worked real hard on my grades. I wanted to go back to HOBY, so I needed to try and do my best in these things. I applied for JR Staff and I was so happy when I learned that I was able to return to 2013 GAHOBY as a part of JR Staff.  I had another outstanding time seeing old friends who I met last year and even made some new ones. HOBY has inspired me to become ASB (Associated Student Body) president my senior year which requires a lot of leadership skills. HOBY has made me more aware of the things I learned about being a leader. I learned that it takes just one person to make a difference in the world and that could be me.

HOBY Info:

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Fourth Edition, June 20, 2013

Featured Alumna: Allison Welch Santos '00

Wow, what can I say about this OUTSTANDING organization.  How could I have known that a simple essay on the importance of leadership would have literally changed my life forever?  My HOBY journey began in 2000 when I was selected as the ambassador for my school back in Alabama. Since then, I’ve been involved with HOBY in some way every year.  In college, I used my leadership skills as a founding member of the Tau chapter of Alpha Delta Chi at the University of Alabama (Can anyone say PEACOCK!!).   Not to mention various other roles such as captain for our group projects, etc.  I was a leader and felt very comfortable with being in charge of the goals that needed to be obtained.  It was who I was on a very basic level. That is what HOBY gave me: the permission to be great and to lead those around me.  I cannot wait to hear how HOBY has inspired you to become a better leader.  Have a great summer everyone!!

HOBY Info:

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

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 

·                     How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

·                     And 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 Favorite Memory

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Third Edition, April 1, 2013

Featured Alumnus: Jason Hatfield '11

HOBY was an OUTSTANDING experience for me, and has helped me step up as a leader in my community. Currently I’m a senior at Athens Academy, finishing up my plans for college.

HOBY has indeed helped me to stand up as a leader in my community. I am currently the director of our Relay for Life team and team captain of my swim team and one of the captains of our Track and Field team, where I lead the pole-vaulters. In addition, I started a foster home for animals this past year, where I have now hosted over 25 animals and have helped them find their new homes. Moreover, in a few short weeks, I will be publishing a paper to the science community on the avian flu virus. I am an active leader in the Boy scouts, having earned my Eagle award, and have led my local Order of the Arrow chapter, scouting’s honor society, for the past 2 years. I actively promote leadership, mainly through scouting, where I help teach younger scouts the responsibilities of leadership, and use much of what I learned at HOBY as examples to be a better teacher. I look forward to an OUTSTANDING college experience; I plan to double major in Genetics and Animal Science, and then go on to get a DVM in Veterinary Medicine.

HOBY Info:

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

Junior Staff

·                     April 8^th is when the decisions come! Stay on the lookout

Hours

·                     Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can.

·                     Rachel's Challenge: http://www.rachelschallenge.org/

·                     How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

·                     And 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

My Favorite HOBY Experience

Caro Addams
Ambassador Year: 2012
The Howard School

My favorite memory at HOBY is when I read my poem at the Talent Show in front of everyone. Before the talent show, Ii was very nervous about reading it since I'm not good at speaking in front of crowds. I made tons of friends before hand that helped me feel better about sharing it with everyone. I didn't think my poem wasn't very good so i asked some people to read it and see what they think. I felt like i had inspired many people that night. Here is what I read. HOBY has given me the confidence to read this poem infront of many people. Enjoy!

Beautiful Nature

wide open fresh air
birds singing their sweet songs
flowers blooming everywhere
pollen getting everywhere
making everyone sneeze
beautiful blue skies with their big puffy clouds
even the rain is nice once in a while is good it helps the plants live
seeing the animals all happy
laying down in the grass feels relaxing
seeing the stars in the night sky makes me believe everything will be alright
seeing the full moon makes me wanna howl at it sometimes
all nature is beautiful in some way or another