|
2011HOBY經驗
HOBY
Fire of Perpetuity
By Allen(Shang-Yung Wang)
Wang
王尚詠
It all started out
with a single flame.
This flame only moved in quotidian waving
motions. It was sluggish, burning only because it needed to be burnt. Then all
of a sudden this tiny flame roared in the middle of summer of 2011, transforming
into a dazzling fire of hope and meaning. HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership)
World Leadership Congress has rekindled my light.
HOBY World Leadership Congress (WLC) 2011 was
both a revelation and a turning point in my life. A program that advocates
leadership training, service participation, and volunteering experience, HOBY
has ingrained new ideals into my heart. Prior WLC, the purposes of volunteering
and service were merely aimed to obtain certain hours. But HOBY WLC has elevated
my thoughts to a higher level. If contributing to the greater good means
something to the people around me, it also promoted my understanding of my own
identity. HOBY galvanized me to speak in front of 400 ambassadors from various
corners in the world about the drug issues in Mexico. HOBY
encouraged me to meet people of different races and cultures, but at the same
time reminded me we are all neighbors, not foreigners. HOBY inspired my
innermost potentials to become both a wise leader and a passionate follower and
to make a difference in the world.
What I received the most from this year's HOBY
WLC, which was held in Chicago,
U.S, was friendship. From the
numerous panels and speeches throughout the week, Rachel's Challenge really
stood out in my memories. Rachel, a high school student murdered in Columbine High School,
dreamed big and chose to live with positive influences. She reached out to those
who were neglected or bullied because of cultural differences or innate
disabilities. She hoped to start a chain reaction, to motivate each individual
to do something good and say something nice to others. In the midst of this
emotional speech, I wondered how little I did compared to what Rachel has
accomplished. What was I doing when some students were in need? Did I have the
confidence to do what I believe in in spite of others' opinions? I cried along
with all the other ambassadors after the sentimental speech and promised myself
to accept Rachel's challenge – choose positive influences, dream big, speak with
kindness, and start my own chain reaction. That was how I expanded my
friendship. From that point on, I cherish my friends even more, and I miss them
all after the congress.
If I have to sum up my HOBY experience in one
word, it will be life-changing. HOBY
ignited my light. As Rachel said, "I refuse to be labeled average." I believe I
can make a difference. I will strive to make the world a better place, just as HOBY made me a better person. When I retrospect every moment in HOBY WLC 2011, I
will remind myself that HOBY has just started. Every tear I shed represents a
new beginning, a new birth of the enthusiasm and passion for the HOBY spirit. My
HOBY story has just begun, and I thank you HOBY for changing my life.
Burning flame. Eternal light. The HOBY spirit
never dimes.
Set up your goals, and
that will be your life GPS
By Cherry (Shih-Han)
Huang黃詩涵
What does it takes to bond 402 students
from different backgrounds into a huge family? It might seem incredible that it
only took a week at WLC. We were at WLC for only 7 days but we are a family for
life.
"You just gonna ignite the light and let it shine…" This was what
welcomed us when we first arrived at Loyola University in
Chicago. HOBY staff showed their passion and energy to
influence our shyness. All the students there from different states in US and
different countries were cheering and dancing together, breaking the boundary of
nations and cultures. Everybody becomes so closed at that moment.
Throughout the week, many famous
panelists spoke for us, for example Mr. Matt Booth, Mr. Dave Gamache, Mr.
Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Mr. Stephen Harvill, and Dr. Tererai Trent. Rachel's
Challenge brought tears to everyone and challenged us to spread the kindness to
start a chain reaction. Mr. Matt Booth told us the importance of bringing your
goals with you so they can guide you like your life GPS. Dr. Trent showed us the
courage of fighting for what you desired so deeply. Mr. Jackson made us believe
that people all over the world were no longer foreigners, we are neighbors.
These OUTSTANDING panelists taught us so much and gave us the courage to pursue
our dreams.
The International Presentation took
place on the third night. Ambassadors from 10 places in the world introduced
their home and we, Taiwanese ambassadors actually performed a Taiwanese dance
which was quite popular! There's no doubt that the presentation brought us even
more closed to each other.
On the community service day, all of us were grouped by HOBY staff and
they assigned us different community services in difference places in Chicago. Our team, F6, was
sent to H.O.M.E., a place that takes care of senior citizens. We made brunch for
them, helped on some chores, taught them cheers, and listened to their stories.
Everyone there has their own story, some were happy and some were sad. There was
an old man told us about his dream and an old lady sharing her traveling
stories. One of the old gentlemen held my hand and said, "Go after your dreams,
and never let anyone stop you from doing it.", which inspires me even now.
On the last day was the closing ceremony and banquet. It was the show
time for choir! It was surprising that we could sing so well after only 7 days
of practice. What was more astonishing was the fact Mr. Hugh O' Brian went to the
closing ceremony! He was there! Finally, it's the time for departure.
Ambassadors left at different time. We left really early and it was
heart-breaking to breakaway from the embrace of my dearest team.
At HOBY you will not only find your HOBY family but you will also find
the courage to pursue your dreams. Nobody will laugh at your dream and they
support you with all their hearts. HOBY ignited my light and I will never let it
dims.
|
