Several months back, Taylor was informed that she had been chosen as one of two students to represent her high school at this year's HOBY conference. She was chosen based on her potential to be a leader and her strong presence in ASB.
HOBY's Southern California conference was held this week at Chapman University in Orange. Unfortunately it conflicted with our course in SD, but Taylor left that early and was able to get a ride with Jaden's family to HOBY. When they arrived, they were overwhelmed by screaming Junior Counselors and Facilitators awaiting their arrival.
They were each assigned a dorm room with a roommate, a group of 10 to spend much of their time with and a Junior Counselor (a 2014 HOBY Alumni) and a Facilitator (an adult over 21).
Here is Taylor's wonderful group that she can't stop talking about. HOBY focuses on building relationships, bringing service into local communities and empowering students to believe in themselves.
They shared meals in the campus dining hall, learned countless cheers, shed lots of tears as they opened up about their challenges and struggles and met with professionals about career goals.
I couldn't believe the amount of friends she made in just the 4 days she was there. When I arrived at the closing ceremonies, Taylor gave me a hug and brought this sweet girl over to introduce. Kate is from a high school in Del Mar and the two became instant friends.
Taylor talked my ear off the entire trip home!! HOBY influenced her in such a positive way and I can't wait to see the good she does with all of the tools she was given. She realizes how blessed she was to get the opportunity and we thank the Temecula Valley Women's Club for sponsoring her registration.
Her group has already established a group chat and have been texting like crazy! I think Taylor is interested in becoming a Junior Counselor at HOBY 2016 so will have to continue to work hard to make that dream come true...
