When I told my coworkers and friends that I was heading to Maine to spend a sleepless weekend with 15-year-olds, the most common response I got was, "Are they delinquents?" Far from it my friends. "Well then, why do you do it?" Allow me to explain...
HOBY found me in 2003 when I was a sophomore in a small Vermont high school. I had never heard of the program before and really had no incentive to go other than someone told me I should apply. I quickly scribbled down something on a piece of paper on why I should be selected and a group of teachers bought it. At the time I was really depressed and honestly did not think I would live through high school. I did not want to live anymore. At HOBY, I was able to check my reputation at the door. Nobody remembered the embarrassing incidents from elementary school or knew how obnoxious I could be... I was actually encouraged to be loud and obnoxious and cheer until my throat was sore. And in return, nobody judged me. I found 60 people that loved me for me.
I went back to HOBY Vermont in 2004 as a Junior Counselor and then sort of fell out of touch with HOBY until 2008 when HOBY Maine found me while in my junior year at the University of New England. I found it no coincidence that HOBY Maine found me in a similar dark place as HOBY Vermont had 5 years earlier, and at the time, doing HOBY Maine was convenient because it was brought to me. I took on the role of Senior Facilitator and started Team Purple. HOBY 2008 rekindled my love for the program and there was no doubt that I would stay involved with HOBY Maine. 6 days after graduating from UNE, I moved back into a dorm for HOBY Maine 2009. It was an emotional weekend for me because I knew once it was over I needed to pack and move... not back to Vermont, but to Denver, CO to start my new job. I faced the possibility that may never see these students I had grown to love and respect ever again.
Anyway, long story short I am back in the state of Vermont working full time. It would probably be easier for me to just volunteer with HOBY Vermont, but I would prefer to drive the 4 hours to Maine to work with this group. For starters, most of the staff that works year-round on this program did not have the opportunity to go when they were 15. They were asked to help out and got hooked. They aren't about recreating their HOBY experience as some alumni staff are, but about giving those 43 students the best experience they can. I still keep in touch with my fellow 2003 alumni, but I have made more meaningful connections with students I've met. Not many 24-year-olds think that hanging out with 15-year-olds is a fun time... but I think it's outstanding. I am excited to take on the role of Alumni Advisor so I can cheer you on while you change the world.
(Amiable) Amy Davis
HOBY ME Alumni Advisor
HOBY VT '03
I went back to HOBY Vermont in 2004 as a Junior Counselor and then sort of fell out of touch with HOBY until 2008 when HOBY Maine found me while in my junior year at the University of New England. I found it no coincidence that HOBY Maine found me in a similar dark place as HOBY Vermont had 5 years earlier, and at the time, doing HOBY Maine was convenient because it was brought to me. I took on the role of Senior Facilitator and started Team Purple. HOBY 2008 rekindled my love for the program and there was no doubt that I would stay involved with HOBY Maine. 6 days after graduating from UNE, I moved back into a dorm for HOBY Maine 2009. It was an emotional weekend for me because I knew once it was over I needed to pack and move... not back to Vermont, but to Denver, CO to start my new job. I faced the possibility that may never see these students I had grown to love and respect ever again.
Anyway, long story short I am back in the state of Vermont working full time. It would probably be easier for me to just volunteer with HOBY Vermont, but I would prefer to drive the 4 hours to Maine to work with this group. For starters, most of the staff that works year-round on this program did not have the opportunity to go when they were 15. They were asked to help out and got hooked. They aren't about recreating their HOBY experience as some alumni staff are, but about giving those 43 students the best experience they can. I still keep in touch with my fellow 2003 alumni, but I have made more meaningful connections with students I've met. Not many 24-year-olds think that hanging out with 15-year-olds is a fun time... but I think it's outstanding. I am excited to take on the role of Alumni Advisor so I can cheer you on while you change the world.
(Amiable) Amy Davis
HOBY ME Alumni Advisor
HOBY VT '03
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