Each year, one student is chosen to represent MCS at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), a nationally recognized program designed to empower young leaders. This year, Cecilia S. attended the seminar at the University at Albany June 5-7.
Cecilia admits she was a little reluctant to go at first. School counselor Paul Pierce had no doubt that she belonged there.
“She is a wonderful student, very personable, outgoing, and respectful,” Pierce said. “A top-notch student that does well academically and treats others well. Very much a potential leader. She stands out.”
The HOBY seminar teaches participants about personal, group and community leadership. There is a high value placed on community service. Cecilia has experience volunteering through the Junior and National Honor Societies. As part of the seminar, she folded laundry and organized hygiene supplies at a men’s shelter operated by a church in Albany. She said, “You don’t realize how much you have until you learn about someone else’s life.”
The experience helped her better understand some of the challenges people experiencing homelessness face, including limited access to bathrooms. She also learned that some people experiencing homelessness limit their water intake because of this, increasing their risk of dehydration.
Over the three-day event, participants heard from local leaders and CEOs. One lesson came from an adult leader who said, “Fear comes first, confidence comes second.” She was also inspired by a student who shared how she had been shy during her first year at HOBY but returned the following year as a J-staffer, helping lead the program.
That tracks for Cecilia. She recounts many participants were “dead silent” on the first day but returned home with sore throats from cheering and red hands from clapping.
Many connections were formed.
Participants also met in county groups to discuss ways they could make a difference in their communities. With phone numbers exchanged, many participants have remained in touch.
“It makes me think that I can accomplish more than I thought I could,” she said. “There are people who will help you.”
Cecilia has newfound wisdom about courage and leadership she can share with her peers at MCS or HOBY participants if she returns as a counselor.
“Even though it seems terrifying at first, you’ll get a lot more out of it than you think you will.”
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