Leadership training learned for life

    It could be said that I got what I expected from my HOBY experience – one of the most life-changing and memorable experiences in my life.
     HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership) was conceived to aid the development of the world’s future leaders from high schools around each state during the summer of their sophomore year.
     Each school has a different selection process resulting in one or two candidates being sent to the seminar. Mount Carmel Academy determines who goes after each interested student  completes an application stating her involvement in school activities, describing her personality and why she would like to attend HOBY.
    One of my best friends, Maria Ciaccio, was chosen by Mount Carmel as the HOBY ambassador; I was going to be her alternate if she could not attend. Luckily for me, there were extra spots at the seminar, and I received an email from HOBY stating that I could also attend with Maria.
    My answer was an obvious yes. That simple yes led to what would truly be an educational and life-altering weekend.
    While at HOBY, I was given the privilege of meeting contemporaries statewide, each of whom shared many of my passions and aspirations. Each had a different background, life story and perspective on the world, and I will be forever changed by knowing them.
    The friendly and accepting environment at HOBY added to my confidence and love of meeting others who share my passions; thus, my peer group, counselors, roommates, and mentors there became my family away from home.
    A greater love of leadership was instilled within me at HOBY. I have pledged to change the world in ways both big and small. I was reminded that each individual has his or her own perspective, but when their ideas blend, unfathomable greatness can occur.
    I have come out of my HOBY experience inspired and ready to show the world my views and concepts to make our planet a better place in which to live. I was selected among eight other HOBY ambassadors to be considered for an opportunity to travel as the official Louisiana representative to the World Leadership Congress, which was held in Chicago this past July. I count this among my greatest achievements.  
    HOBY is an experience like no other, and the lessons I have learned will stick with me and forever be a part of all that I say and do. I am eternally grateful for having the opportunity.
    Madeline Reineke is a junior at Mount Carmel Academy.