HOBY WLC ‘24
Signing up for the WLC was a huge leap of faith for me. As someone who was not very outgoing and had never been to the U.S. before, I wasn't sure if I could take away as much as I had wanted from the experience. But I did sign up, and committing to the WLC is a decision you will not regret.
HOBY is more of an experience than an organization or physical place. The people you meet there have an infectious attitude and enthusiasm. The schedules are tight, and the time for sleep is never enough. But the itinerary of the WLC is structured that way for a reason; it’s packed with countless lessons, discussions, and introspections in a single week.
An activity that I remember most deeply is the Fish Bowl. In this activity, three people were chosen from a circle to share some deep parts of themselves while everyone else listened actively. Despite my doubts, I decided to raise my hand and go to the center to speak. In the Fish Bowl, I found myself discussing things that I would have never shared with others before. By hearing other people’s stories and challenges, I realized the power of being vulnerable and truly allowing yourself to connect with others. I was greatly impressed and inspired by the other ambassadors’ ability to carry on with their lives and strive for improvement despite setbacks and traumatic experiences. At HOBY, you grow and learn decades' worth of lessons in a day. And perhaps most importantly, you will expand your social circle with a band of outstanding individuals from across the world.
The WLC isn't just about learning. HOBY prides itself on allowing individuals to explore their strengths while also having a fantastic time. So, expect your week to be filled with activities you’ll likely be doing for the first time in your life, witnessing emotional moments, and just having an awesome time in general. For example, you’ll get to spend a day touring the city you’ll be staying in, and the hour of group time before bed every night is something you will cherish deeply in retrospect.
Of course, the upbeat activities don’t go on non-stop. There are relaxation periods, and you are always welcome to step away from the main program to de-stress and process your emotions. One night, I took a break from the hustle and bustle and just walked around campus with a volunteer. HOBY is unique in that you’re always learning something, no matter what you do.
Coming into the WLC, I was expecting to poke holes in the flaws of my identity and learn how to “fix” them. However, coming out of it, I was assured of my strengths and abilities, with a healthier mindset focused on striving for improvement. HOBY changed me in a way that made me much more confident in my ability as a leader to make positive changes in this world and uplift others.
That was MY HOBY WLC. I can’t tell you how yours will go, but just know that if you commit yourself to it, it will give so much more back to you. If there is such a thing as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is one of them. You may be held back by fears and uncertainties. That is natural, and I don’t blame you, but it’s your choice to overcome those inhibitors and discover the rewards that await you at the HOBY WLC.
LEUNG, Ka Chai Louie
Hong Kong Ambassador
HOBY WLC ‘24
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience,” is one common phrase to describe HOBY from alumni throughout the years. This summer, I am more than honoured to have the chance to embark on this extraordinary journey to HOBY, which promises to leave an indelible mark on my personal growth for life.
Powerful, inspiring, enduring. These are three words I would use to describe HOBY. I vividly recall the first time I met my group during the very first section time, I was quite overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm my group mates brought to the table. Being one of the few Asians in my group, I struggled to engage in their conversations about American culture, education et cetera. The feeling of being left out was undeniably strong. For the first two days, I felt lost and just followed along awkwardly with what the group was doing. Luckily, being left out at first, I gradually acclimated to the safe community that HOBY creates.
HOBY is undeniably impactful, bringing about transformative changes that are beyond imagination. The people within the HOBY community exhibit remarkable support and boundless energy, consistently cheering, clapping, and encouraging each other in almost everything. HOBY creates a safe space where ambassadors can forge connections and undergo personal growth. As the days progressed, I gradually acclimated to the atmosphere of HOBY, engaging in conversations with my fellow ambassadors about diverse interests, cultures, and various other topics, quickly forming bonds and friendships.
HOBY also gave me a lot of precious inspirations which are something that I would treasure for a lifetime.
“You, a leader, is enough.” This was said by the closing keynote speaker, which truly touched my heart. People nowadays are usually very dependent on others’ opinions. They often lose self-confidence as a leader and they seldom embrace the good qualities they possess. I realised that leadership has no definite answer. Embrace your uniqueness because how you are is how you lead.
One of the best things from HOBY would be the lovely people I met during the week-long program. From the first moment we touched down at the Chicago Airport, HOBY staff were dancing enthusiastically and welcoming 10 of our Hong Kong delegates to arrive. The whole week went the same way. I still remember the times when HOBY staff cheered people up during our walk back to our dorms. One of the most touching moments of the week was undeniably when I received a clip by an anonymous person saying “Shine on superstar,” it was so warmhearted that it almost made my day. On the last day, one of my group mates gave me a bracelet saying “You are doing the best you can.” She even hugged me after that. Although it was just a little compliment, it gave me a lot of confidence and joy that lasted forever.
I still remember my last group time — a little gathering of each group after each day’s activity, where we emotionally shared our last words for each of our groupmates. I could never imagine myself shedding tears after a week-long world congress miles away from my hometown. 10 people of different races, colors, and cultures, created one of the best journeys of my life. I can confidently say that HOBY has successfully surpassed all my expectations. “Do not underestimate the impact you bring to the world,” this was said by one of my group mates. I hope that we can all make good use of the things that we learned in HOBY, and make a positive impact on the world.
Thank you HOBY for creating a week full of unforgettable memories. Each person I met during this exceptional week will surely hold a special place in my heart.
LIM, Hiu Yu Hugo
Hong Kong Ambassador
HOBY WLC ‘24