Anyone who knows me knows I have enough HOBY stories to fill several books. This organization, focused on transforming unassuming high school sophomores into ambitious, confident leaders, has in part made me into the person I am today. After my own experience as an ambassador, I've returned for the past two years as a photographer and dedicated volunteer. HOBY's founder, Hugh O'Brian, passed away recently, and I felt I needed some time to gather my thoughts. I had never had the opportunity to meet him, of course, but I know that I owe him so much. Because of what he created, I was given a safe space in which I could build my confidence, find my passion and open up to other human beings in a way I had never done before. I've logged over 300 hours of community service since my first exposure to HOBY and I hope to contribute many, many more. I was digging through my hard drive, trying to find the words to convey this gratitude, when I came across these photos. During my experience as an HOBY photographer, I have taken hundreds of photos and was responsible for sorting through thousands more. Many of them were never used in the final slideshow we showed to our ambassadors and their families, so I thought maybe I'd share a couple of them here.

Sometimes, words are not enough. Thank you, Hugh.