Spotlight - Houston Lui

Houston Lui

Schools:  Carbon High School, Seattle Pacific University

HOBY Alumni Year: 2004

Graduation Year: High School 2006, BA 2010

How did I find out about HOBY?

My high school counselor asked me if I would be interested in being the first individual to go to the HOBY conference from my school.  I was honored and joyfully accepted.

What has HOBY done for you?

Not only has it brought friendships, but it brought a perspective of what the real world is like.  The panels opened my eyes to differences in the world; whether it is differences in jobs, or differences in religion.  HOBY taught me to think about everyday life in a global perspective.  Though we will all choose different paths in our lives, it is always good to take others into consideration and not be close minded to those around us.

What have I been up to since?

I actually returned to HOBY the following year as a team leader and had the best time ever!!! I then finished high school (Student Body President) and moved out to Seattle for college.  I graduated last year from Seattle Pacific University with a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.  Through my college years, I was able to be president of my residence hall and then a Resident Advisor the following year in a different dorm.  I am currently a 5^th grade math and science teaching assistant in a private elementary school.  I am also studying for the MCAT, and planning on applying to medical school this year. 

Recently, I was able to go to Rwanda and learn about forgiveness and reconciliation.  For those of you who don’t know, Rwanda had a mass genocide in 1994 and over 1 million people were killed over a course of 100 days.  My team and I were able to go participate in reconciliation workshops, help build houses, and just hear personal accounts of what happened to people during the genocide.  Rwanda is a beacon of light in this bleak world; people are forgiving others for killing their family and friends, while becoming friends themselves.  It amazes me how easily we hold grudges towards one another for the smallest of things.  The people of Rwanda are showing TRUE forgiveness and are a model of what the world needs most.  This trip was broadened my scope of the global perspective, and I look forward to going back in the near future.

What was your favorite part about HOBY or has stuck with you the most?

I would have to say the friendships and the global perspective that I have obtained.  There are not many places where you can go meet dozens of new people from different walks of life for a single weekend.  There is a connection that is made and a bond that tends to last.  I still keep in touch with some of the people from HOBY, and it is always great to reminisce about the great times we had.  Besides the friendships, I was able to see that I could be anything that I wanted to be.  Though life short, we can achieve our highest goals and truly make an impact in the world.

What is your advice to incoming sophomores and future HOBY ambassadors? 

I would say to make the most of the opportunity that you are given.  The weekend will be a time of great fun and learning, but don’t just take it with a grain of salt.  Reflect upon your panels, group discussions and time together.  Make an effort to take as much out of the weekend as possible; I know that you all will be happy that you did.  Also, maintain the relationships that you acquire at HOBY.  Who knows what kind of blessing they can be in your life.  For me, this conference was a stepping stone into something greater; a step towards a greater purpose.  

Resident Advisor

High School Graduation

Rawanda

 

 

 

College Graduation

Junior Staff Updates

Calling all 2010 HOBY Alumni!

HOBY Utah is making some changes to our seminar.  First thing is we are doing away with some of the terms we use. The important one for you to know is will no longer be referring to councilors and junior councilors as such.  Instead councilors are going to be facilitators and junior councilors are going to be called junior staff or more affectionately knows as J-staff.  You will now be applying to come back as J-staff.  Also, the CLEW is no longer going to be required to be one of the junior staff.  (If you are already planning one please keep doing it!) 

The roles and responsibilities the J-staff will be mostly the same as they were with a few minor modifications.  We are adding some responsibilities in order for j-staff to be more involved.  We are now requiring junior staff to fund raise $200 dollars to help pay for your expenses for being at the conference and to help our program be better.  This can be donated by you or you can get a sponsor to help fund raise.  I know this seems like a lot but we really do need your help with fund raising.  I think those are the big changes you need to know about for now. 

Now, on to other important facts.  HOBY is going to be the second weekend of May.  It will be Wednesday night through Saturday late afternoon.  The days I BELIEVE are May 11-14.  Without a doubt you will be scheduled to take AP tests, go to region/state track, and various other events like these.  In order to come to HOBY as a junior staff you will need to reschedule those tests.  The reason we are not allowing anyone to come that will have to miss the conference is because it isn't fair to those who can attend the full conference.  You don't get the best experience, the ambassadors don't get the best experience and it is hard on everyone there.  Also, we will be having a few trainings between December and May.  You will need to attend these training meetings to the best of your ability.  If there is a problem like a test you have to take that day let me know.  We may be able to change some stuff up.  If you feel like you can handle these responsibilities and want to come back to HOBY as Junior Staff let me know!  I will be sending applications to all who respond to this email.  Applications will be send out on October 9th so if you don't respond by then you won't be getting an application.  If you have any questions let Jackie Rogers know!  Thanks!

HOBY Spotlight - Mitchell Bassett

Mitchell Bassett

Schools: Lone Peak HS, Utah State University, Duke School of Medicine
HOBY Alumni Year: 2001
Graduation Year: High School 2003, BS 2009

How did you find out about HOBY?
My high school counselor.

What HOBY has done for you? 

HOBY opened my eyes to all of the opportunities for young people to get involved in their school and community.   I met some of our state's and nation's most powerful leaders who inspired me to follow my dreams.  I was motivated by all of the service and leadership projects by current and former ambassadors. HOBY didnt teach me what to think, but HOW to think.  I can honestly say that HOBY was the most defining turning point in my life.  It transformed a shy high school sophomore who was trying to change himself to a dreamer who is still trying to change the world.  

What have you been up to since?   

 I was an ambassador at Utah State University, epigenetic researcher, political activist, and a 4-year collegiate cheerleader.  I am now a second year medical student at Duke University.

What was your favorite part about HOBY or has stuck with you the most? 

The friends I made nearly 10 years ago at HOBY are still some of my closest friends today.

What is your advice to incoming sophomores and future HOBY ambassadors?  

Soak it all in.  Take good notes and get out of your comfort zone.  Find a way to make a difference in your community.

Mitchell and Maile

Utah State Cheerleader

Duke Medical School