On Nov. 12, 2024, applications for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) opened up to sophomores on campus and when interviews started later on Dec. 9, multiple students submitted their essays to HOBY. One student, sophomore Daniel Vo, was called in for an interview about his submission.
Since its creation 67 years ago, HOBY aims to be a thriving community of youth, bringing in new people from diverse student bodies. Those who submit a response to enter are sent to judges who go over their submission. Students with leadership skills that stand out most are chosen to attend an in-person assembly with other chosen students.
Seeing the HOBY opportunity on the monthly bulletin board, Vo took it upon himself to be a part of the program. Vo had prior knowledge of joining events like these, such as Cal Poly Pomona’s engineering program. He also knew other students and friends who were applying for the program, which then encouraged him to do so. Vo submitted his application at the last minute, writing his essay the day it was due, with the help of a Thinking Map to make ideas flow and sound more appealing.
“It was definitely fun, the essay wasn’t too hard to write. It was just knowing what to put in and what to take out,” said Vo.
Vo recalled the interview process being well-planned out, where he was asked questions about prior leadership skills. He described the waiting process as nerve-racking because he was unsure if he was going to obtain the spot of being a representative. Once Vo heard his name come over the morning announcements when describing the HOBY winner, he felt shocked as he didn’t think he could be chosen.
“On the announcement, it was just like, we are gonna announce the HOBY leadership thing…so I just heard HOBY and then I heard Daniel Vo…it was very shocking to me,” Vo said.
Vo described this experience as an example of him sticking to his beliefs, believing that life is about going blindly into intimidating opportunities. He encourages gaining experience from taking chances, such as students involving themselves into schoolwide programs and events.
“It really depends on the person you are, but I think, I would encourage you, no matter what to try out for it, it’s a great opportunity. You gain more than you lose. Even if you don’t get in, you still get the experience,” said Vo.
