The Legend vs The Legend

The Legend vs The Legend:

Hugh O'Brian vs HOBY

I totally met a famous person. If you don't know who Hugh O'Brian is, the educate yourself. He's a big deal.

"The most important thing... is to teach young people to think for themselves."

Dr Albert Schweitzer

For those of you who don't know what the HOBY story is (which is probably just about everyone who will be reading this) I'll summarize for you.

Once upon a time in 1958, Hugh was famous for playing Wyatt Earp (TV cowboy) and he was invited to go to Africa with Dr Albert Schweitzer. As the name implies, he's German (yay!). He's also a famous missionary/theologian/musician/philosopher. Of course, the handsome Mr O'Brian accepted! He was out there in two weeks, volunteering at a hospital by day and having deep discussions with Dr Albert by night. (From those conversations came the above quote.) When it was time for Hugh to go back to America, Dr. Albert asked, "Hugh, what are you going to do with this?" Two weeks later, Hugh O'Brain started on what would become Hugh O'Brain's Youth Leadership (aka HOBY).

So what was it like to meet the legend that started the legend?

Nobody knew he was coming. I mean NOBODY. Not even the program directors. It was the last day and emotions were running rather high already. Hugh wasn't suppose call this weekend but during the closing ceremony, he did!

I couldn't quite hear what was going on, but it sounded like he was talking about paint balling. Then after a while I heard an echo of the voice on the phone. I turned around to see THE HUGH O'BRAIN walk in! The room erupted! Some people were in tears and others shook with excitement.

Oh. Did I mention I also ate lunch with him? Ya. We're like besties now. He's like 80 now and I think the age is getting to him. I was a little worried to see him drive off. I guess if he got lost, he could always just call up his buddy Robert Redford. Hugh is a charming, insightful, interesting (in every sense), and what you would expect your average 80-year old man to be.

This man has changed thousands of lives. He has changed mine. And there he was; Looking for his keys. His legend lives through thousands of HOBY alumni across the world. He spoke of what has happened to many HOBY alumni (many of which are now running our country). My story is just starting as are many others. I am so excited for all of this years ambassadors and I can't wait to see what they do and become. One man, just one, gave birth to this:

Yes... That is me laying front and almost center. Totally against character, right?

And that isn't even the most of it.

Wait... You Can Learn From a Dance?

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby

(Left to Right, Me creeping, Micheal- JStaff and Katie, Clint and Belen, then demonstrating the "dead bird" would be two staffies, Jerry and Lena, and in the back is the brown crew. The best crew.)

If you know me, you know I'm not a big fan of dances. Sure I like dancing, but dances just are not really my scene. At least that's what I thought! Although it only lasted a little over an hour, this most recent dance is probably one of the best so far. Should we explore the possible reasons why?

Never trust spiritual leader who cannot dance. ~Mr. Miyagi, The Next Karate Kid, 1994

(Jessica and myself showing off our "Furniture Sale")

Maybe I've never noticed this in other dances, but this one was just therapeutic. There is something about getting down to a beat, getting lost in a crowd, having your ears blasted out, and cutting loose that brings out another side to people you don't normally see. You forget all your problems and expose this different side of yourself to people you barely know.

I danced with 16 year olds. Actually, it was more like they danced with me. I would be minding my own business, just dancing with some friends, then a ton of ambassadors (sophomores) will trap us and act as though we were equals. or at least until one of them says "I'm dancing with a 21 year old! So cool!" Dancing does not discriminate. The next day everything went back to normal, other than we all felt a little closer than we were before. I must agree with whoever said, "This is better than a rave!"

You must also take into account that whether you like it or not, dancing is a form of exercise even when you're just jumping up and down, trying to stay upright. Exercise, as we all know, releases endorphins which makes people happy. There were some serious happy vibes.

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. ~Japanese Proverb

(Me, Jerry, and Jessica bouncing. P.S. I'm doing it in cowboy boots. Not an easy task.)

I have to add that I learned how to jerk, how to "bounce", how to beat box, and re-learned the Tragedy dance. I learned a lot that night, and it was only the first official night of the conference! Who knew I could still break it down?

I also feel the need to add that after I cleaned up after the dance, I had the brilliant idea to blow dry my hair upside down. The result was a mane. Add a hoodie, sore back, and an Oreo, you get a creepy hobo. Fun times! Anyways, when I woke up that morning, my hair was still puffy, that is why my hair looks that great in the above picture. I had many different kinds of learning experiences.

After going over all of these possible reasons as to why this dance was such a great experience, I have to admit that there is only one reason that ultimately contributed...

These guys.

(The Gang: Including Staff, J-Staff, Facilitators, and others)

HOBY 2011

"Service is a lifestyle" -Mike Anderson

Another HOBY conference has come and pass. The only way I could describe this year's experience would have to be... interesting. Every year is special and unique. That is why, unlike last year, I will actually blog about part of my experience.

Evey year I learn something new at HOBY and every year I am reminded of things I should be doing. Such an example would be goals. To start off, I am setting a goal to blog a little bit about HOBY as often as possible. Wait! I don't think that's specific enough. I will blog at least once every three days. With spring semester and work, I have nothing else to blog about.

HOWEVER! I will be posting my experiences in my own way. I am blogging about lessons I learned and impressions I took from HOBY. And of course, there will be pictures.

Until next time. Happy trails!

(P.S. Yes, that is me laying in the front. This picture was chosen because it was everyone from HOBY and because the "funny" picture would be too revealing of my experience. We don't want to jump ahead.)

HOBY HOBY HOBY HOBY HOBY

The Brilliant Roger Anthony

"Always take another step. If that is to no avail take another, and yet another. One step at a time is not too difficult."
-Og Mandino-

Guess what's been on my mind. HOBY!!!! For those of you who don't know what HOBY is, let me break it down for you. Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership. It's a 3 day seminar for sophomores and it's just pure awesomeness. I get to go up to Aspen Grove for 4 days (Wednesday to Saturday) and be a junior counselor. That means I get to help be in charge of about 10 or so sophomores and unlock their potential! What could be better?
The pictures above are from something I did with a few other HOBY alumni called a CLeW (Community Leadership Workshop). We planned it and everything. My brother-in-law attended as a panelist and we were honored to have him there. It was then I found out that he's a HOBY alumni too! Cool, eh?
Anyways, we had our focus on the preforming arts. I got to be in charge of the drama kids. (I can't imagine why.) The girl in the picture above is my group. ha ha We combined a few groups to make everything better. And it was!
One of the most memorable things about HOBY is Roger Anthony. He's Australian and an absolutely amazing motivational speaker. I never get tired of listening to him. We were honored to have him be the keynote speaker at our CLeW. Who knew listening to someone for 4 hours could be so entertaining?
Well anyways, That's what I shall be up to this week and I am EXCITED!!!!! Can't you tell? I figured I'd stick this info up here for two reasons. 1) I'm terribly excited. 2) You'll know what I'm talking about in future reference. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures up at the end... of next week.
Wish me luck!