This experienced completely changed the course of my life. Without HOBY, without SON Ministries, without the dozens of children and people I’ve encountered, I simply would not be the person I am today. I’ve gained this confidence and openness to new experiences that I never had before. I was always such an impatient person who was afraid to step out of my comfort zone and take chances and be brave. All of these times spent at HOBY and volunteering and putting myself out there, changed all of that. I learned so much patience from the children at SON and I gained confidence through HOBY where I was able to be authentically me. Because of this experience, I am not only confident in myself as a leader, but I’m confident in the plans I have for the future. I am confident that I will be a good teacher who can empathize with and empower youth to be the best version of themselves and be prepared for the future. I am confident that I have the power to love and help those around me through building meaningful relationships with them and lending a hand to those who need it most. I am confident that at the root of all things good, there is love. I have discovered that children hold so much wonder and compassion and love in their little hearts and it’s inspired me to hold those three things in my heart as well. HOBY makes me feel like I have a purpose and that I have the ability to change people in such a meaningful and lasting way.
I see the world as a place with so much genuine joy and goodness. We do often jump to the bad and the negative that’s going on in our world, but we seldom reflect on the fact that the next generation of people are living among us in our youth, and they have so much beautiful potential and to know that I can have a hand in setting them up for success in the future is so humbling and wonderful. I see the world as a place busting at the seams with opportunity. I’ve learned to seize every day and do my absolute best to start and end each day with a grateful heart and to spread love and kindness to all those I encounter, because ultimately, our world needs more of that. Our world needs more people who are willing to shed light on the good of the world and to share that with others.
This was not only a meaningful experience. It was the MOST meaningful experience I’ve had the privilege of experiencing. The change that I’ve noticed in myself and the change that my family and friends have seen in me is remarkable. I am so thankful and blessed to be where I am today and I give a lot of that credit to HOBY and SON Ministries.
I gained so many leadership skills on how to how to deal with problems happening in my community and how to take action to spark effective change. I learned about my personal leadership style and how I can use that to my advantage. Through volunteering, I gained patience and understanding of how to work with kids and understand them better. I learned how to communicate with them effectively. I also learned about the issue of poverty and how it effects families, including those living in Hilliard.
If I had to start all over, I honestly don’t think I would change anything. This experience was unmatched and there’s nothing I would want to be different. I’ve loved every second of it and I never looked back.
Me with all of my lovely ambassador girls at HOBY Ohio South 2018!