When a group of people you’ve looked up to for 16 years recognizes you with the most prestigious award they can bestow, what do you even say?
This past weekend, I was named the Gail Elmore Volunteer of the Year for Massachusetts HOBY.
And I just, um… wow.
HOBY Youth Leadership is a global nonprofit that helps high school sophomores become effective, ethical, and compassionate leaders. I’ve been volunteering with them in various roles since 2010.
When I found out I’d been named volunteer of the year, I have to admit I was shocked. And when I was asked to deliver the closing keynote at this year’s leadership seminar, I wasn’t sure what I would even say.
So I started reflecting on my journey.
- I started out as a Junior Staff member, co-leading student groups throughout the weekend-long leadership seminar.
- Eventually, I became a full-fledged Facilitator for those groups.
- Later still, I found myself in a Director role.
These days, I help develop the leadership curriculum and lead the hiring and onboarding effort for new staff members. Looking back, one thing stands out: I would never have gotten this far without the guidance of the truly phenomenal people who volunteer alongside me. I used to think they were superheroes. I still do, but maybe I’ve realized what that actually means… that they’re superb humans who just keep showing up, looking for ways to be of service to others.
Thank you to the entire MA HOBY Corporate Board, and everyone I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer with over the years for inspiring me to keep showing up.
What an immense honor this is.
I’m so, so grateful.
-onward.
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