Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Ninth Edition, December 28, 2015

Featured Alumnus: Cullen MacDonald '13

Hello, Georgia HOBY family!

I hope that your holiday season has been warm, peaceful, and refreshing.The end of 2015 is approaching, but a new beginning in 2016 approaches accordingly. That being said, it is worth spending a portion of 2015’s final moments to build a purposeful start for 2016. As members of HOBY, we owe, to ourselves, the HOBY family, and the world we are trying to serve, a constructive reflection on the previous year. I am not calling for an ill-fated New Year's resolution, but instead for a harvest of the year’s experiences. In doing so, I hope that we can all gain a renewed sense of direction and wisdom from the things we did, and yes, failed to do.

Perhaps the best place to start reflection is with our memories of friends and family, of laughter and perhaps sadness too. These are the memories which can sustain us for a lifetime. They are the substance of a fulfilling life, and provide strength to face the more difficult times in life. Writing these memories down in a journal is a sensible way to ensure they are not lost to time, and their use is not short-lived. For those of you who attended either of the seminars this past summer, I am sure there are some moments worth saving for later!

With fond memories collected, now is the time to ask questions, and answer with unwavering honesty. Did I give my very best to myself and others?  Did I serve others selflessly, with only their well-being in mind? Did I let fear get in the way of new experiences? Did I judge others by anything except their character and actions? Were there times I compromised my values? These are among the many questions I will be answering, and they are undoubtedly heavy questions. I know I won’t like all of the answers to those questions, but I also know it is important to face the truth of how well I did or did not live up to my intentions. Doing so will lead to a more complete picture, successes and failures included, to contrast and adjust my purpose and direction. We know that failures are just as useful as successes, so we don’t want to filter them out because of pride. The only failures in life are the ones we leave alone to fester.

With a fresh slate at our hands, we can seal 2015’s happenings into a year gone by. We can forgive ourselves and others for the times we fell short of our expectations, though we should try not to forget the lessons learned which are vital to the wisdom and purpose guiding future actions.

As HOBY leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that our tools are sharp and in place for successful leadership. Focused reflection is a practical way of doing so. I hope 2015 has been an outstanding year, but not the best year to come. I am looking forward to all of the wonderful things Georgia HOBY will accomplish in 2016!

With love,

Cullen D. MacDonald

HOBY Info:

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• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Eighth Edition, December 17, 2015

Featured Alumna: Haley Hubbard '14

Toward the end of my sophomore year, my counselor pulled me out of math class to explain that I had been picked to go to “HOBY.” With a confused smile and no physical description of HOBY that I could grasp, I left her office a few minutes later. For months all I knew of HOBY was the simple description: it’s a leadership seminar for rising juniors, and it’s GREAT. I didn’t realize how much HOBY could change my life until I stepped out of my mom’s car at Berry College and one of my soon-to-be facilitators, Courtney, took my bags. After a weekend of developing as a team and district (Go Gold!), I didn’t want to go home; something special had happened through the loud cheers and team activities. As a group we grew closer than I imagined possible. I felt closer to my teammates than I did to some friends I had back at home. That is just the power of HOBY; it can bring together people from every walk of life and create lifelong friendships. Even though it is a leadership seminar, HOBY taught me far more than how to embrace my inner peacock. HOBY taught me how to completely and compassionately love people as they are. HOBY taught me that it’s okay to be vulnerable and tell people when I don’t have the answers. HOBY taught me that ANYTHING can happen within the span of three days. Coming back as a Junior Staff member in 2015 at the SouthEast seminar was a completely different, equally impactful, experience. Watching ambassadors learn and grow during the days was MORE fun than growing myself. HOBY has impacted me so greatly that it is almost impossible to put it into words. It’s one of those “you had to be there” kind of moments that I will continue to share and relive forever, and I am forever grateful.

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Seventh Edition, December 9, 2015

Featured Alumnus: Joe Farkus '11

Throughout my childhood, my world was very small. I spent every Sunday in a Southern Pentecostal church, every night at the dinner table with loving (yet emotionally unavailable) parents, and every school day doing my very best to put on a good face and seek my peers’ approval. I possessed no concept of self-worth and avoided introspection like the plague. I knew I was gay. I knew friends I really cared about and respected had no idea and would likely have a hard time accepting the fact. I could blame it on my religious upbringing, societal pressures, or the nature of my family…but staying in the closet was a result of my cowardice. I didn’t want to confront whatever complications would arise from coming out. I didn’t want to be gay. I didn’t want it to be a distraction from what I wanted to accomplish in life. So I kept friends at a distance and continued on my way. Then, HOBY came along. Unlike many of HOBY peers, no essay or application process was required for me to be selected for the program. By simply having been re-elected Class President, I was automatically selected by my school - and my god, am I grateful for that. GAHOBY 2011 was a significant experience right in the middle of a difficult time in my life - the sense of community, encouragement, and the opportunity to be challenged in ways I hadn’t before…it all really had an unmeasurable impact on my development. Meeting other young people who were, not just enduring, but excelling in the midst of struggles and challenges much greater than my own put a lot of things into perspective. The November following HOBY, my family and I relocated to Texas. The following November, I was outed to my father. A year and a half later, I started dating my best friend and current partner. As of January 2016, I will be - not only back in school and on my way to a law degree - but also a member of the Democratic Party staff here in Dallas. Recently, I just registered to run for the Texas House of Representative 108th District! HOBY equipped me with the courage to pursue my own happiness; to realize that being an individual and challenging stereotypes is worth all the risk involved.

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Sixth Edition, December 1, 2015

Featured Alumna: Tatiana Taylor '09

           If I could explain HOBY in one word, it would be… Wait, I can’t explain HOBY in one word. In 2009, I was chosen to attend a leadership seminar by the name of HOBY. “What’s HOBY?” I asked my sophomore guidance counselor. “It’s the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference.” She answered. Clearly she didn’t know much about the program either. “It’s for rising juniors who have exhibited strong leadership skills.” Okay, cool. That’s all I really needed to hear. Of course I’d go to this HOBY thing, it would look great on my resumé and colleges love this kind of stuff. “Okay, I’ll do it.” I told my counselor.

           My experience that year at HOBY literally changed my life. I thought about things differently. I viewed my problems differently. I looked at people in a new light. Instead of describing HOBY in word, I’ll describe what it does. HOBY brings together people from various walks of life that have the same thing in common: They are ALL leaders. I learned that when I was an Ambassador in 2009, and I continue to see it every year that I volunteer at the seminar. The kids that come to HOBY are all different, some are shy and will only say three words all weekend, some are super outgoing and you can’t get them to be quiet all weekend, some are the textbook definition of the word leader, and then there are some who don’t really fit into any category.

            Even today, I use the tools that HOBY provided me with. I am a better person, and a better leader because of my involvement in the program. HOBY has taught me to use my strengths to overcome obstacles, and where I am lacking, there are others that I can depend on, and it does not make me any less of a leader. Being a great leader means knowing when to ask for help. I am not afraid to come to my fellow alumni when I am down, because they are there to help me get back up. I will carry what I’ve learned at HOBY, and what I continue to learn, always. 

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Fifth Edition, November 20, 2015

Featured Alumna: Liz Harper '12

     Imagine you are a timid, reluctant 15 year old walking into a three-day-long seminar, and the only thing you know is its name, HOBY. As you pull onto the college campus, there is an abundance of teenagers surrounding your car with exuberant faces asking to take your luggage, your mom turns to you with a grin on her face, and shoves you out of the car. Well, maybe she didn’t shove me, but she definitely had a mischievous grin. Fast forward three days and that same 15 year old is now equipped to be a leader in her community and make a transformation globally. 

     HOBY has the capacity to take a terrified high school sophomore incapable of speaking up in a small group and turn her into someone that knows she will make a difference in this world and has developed the skills to accomplish her goals. Whenever someone asks what HOBY is, the easy answer is “oh it’s a leadership seminar for high school sophomores,” but in reality it is the opportunity that transforms ordinary students into outstanding citizens. Attending HOBY as a participant is wonderful, but returning to volunteer on staff allows you to take everything HOBY prepared you to do and pour into the new ambassadors. 

     I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia with aspirations to attend medical school and then eventually move to Africa, which is a daunting thought. But HOBY has taught me that service is the root of a good leader and has given me the skills I need to succeed. Looking back over the plentiful memories from falling asleep in the middle of dinner to singing the Baby Shark song until you never want to hear the word shark again, it’s hard to truly express the absolute joy that HOBY has brought to my life. However, HOBY has given me so much more than leadership skills and a heart for service, it has most importantly given me friends that will last a lifetime.

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Forth Edition, October 30, 2015

Featured Alumna: Hallie Murray '09

Every HOBY Alumnus has their own rehearsed answer to the question “What is HOBY?”  I am entering my 7th year of answering that question, and my answer is something to the tune of, “HOBY is an experience where the most important friendships of your life are developed.” My favorite part of HOBY is setting the stage and providing the environment for the ambassadors to connect with each other and watch them form relationships with each other that will last them well into their adult lives. I fully believe that these connections are made during this three day weekend, but they are more and more reaffirmed every time you come back to volunteer with HOBY. When I was sitting in my chair at closing ceremonies at HOBY 2009, I had no clue what this organization would bring into my life. However, I did know that I had to do whatever it took to come back to this place and these people. I have returned to HOBY every summer since my ambassador year, and I have been a member of Junior Staff, a Junior Facilitator, a Facilitator (HOBY South Carolina), Director of Facilitators, Vice-Leadership Seminar Chair, and for the 2016 and 2017 seminars I will be the Leadership Seminar Chair. During the summer of 2009, HOBY consumed only three days of my life. Now there isn’t a day in the calendar that I don’t talk about, laugh about, or plan for HOBY, and I find so much joy in that.

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Third Edition, October 14, 2015

Featured Alumnus: Garrett Childers '11

HOBY has been a beacon of hope, security and strength for me. I was privileged to go to HOBY back in 2011. I arrived late, I walked into the main building and everyone standing there stared at me then burst into enthusiastic cheering. My dad leaned over and said, "Buckle up Garrett." I was stunned and perplexed, but I fell in love with it. After the Georgia HOBY Seminar, I went onto WLC and became friends with people all over the world. I went into HOBY, insecure, fearful and distant. I left knowing I had a purpose and motivation; I can be the change people need in the world. Before HOBY, I would go through my day, walk in the hallway with my head down and just go through the motions. After HOBY, I held my head high, I would say hey to everyone I passed. Going through high school is a scary tough thing but with HOBY as my safety net, knowing I had friends anytime I could call on anytime for anything. I made friendships that last a lifetime. While there I made a friendship that has become one of my best friends, a speaker, Dave Gamache. He spoke with so much fire and enthusiasm and genuine love, I thought, I want to be like that. Sure enough years later, I am working with him sharing my story along with his. HOBY has opened so many doors, has transformed my heart and mind to be loving, humble and generous in whatever I do. That is why I love HOBY.

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Second Edition, October 10, 2015

Featured Alumna: Allie Petersen '10

           In 2010, Georgia HOBY began transforming my life and it still continues to do so today. One of the most important things that I learned as an ambassador was that every single person is overflowing with ideas, and that the best leaders take the time to let everyone voice their opinions. I learned that being in charge does not mean you make all of the decisions on your own, but you facilitate a group in making the best decision for everyone affected. Since my ambassador year, I have attended HOBY on staff every year since and it truly does change lives. Not only as an ambassador, but also in every other role I have played at HOBY – Jr. Staff, Jr. Facilitator, and Facilitator. HOBY continues to ‘light my inner fire’ which pushes me to serve my community by volunteering, being a leader, and following my passions. This has all helped to lead me to my passion for youth development through sports. I will soon be graduating from Gardner-Webb University with a B.S. in Sport Management. I am so thankful to be part of an organization that continues to give back so much to me as well as so many others!

HOBY Info:

Amazon Smile

• If your shop at Amazon, the switch to Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com). It is the exact same website, but 0.5% of purchases will be donated to a charity of your choice.
• Choose Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership as your charity!

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Follow us on Instagram: HOBY_GEORGIA
• Follow us on Vine: Georgia HOBY
• Follow us on SnapChat: hobygeorgia
• Check our the website: www.gahoby.org
• Check out our YouTube channel: HOBY Georgia
• 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%2f
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email gahobyalumniadvisor@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
• How far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

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