Junior Class President Reflects on Empowering Leadership Seminar
For Lily Kim ’27, the junior class president at Concord Academy, attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) in Massachusetts this summer was a transformative experience that broadened her perspective on service, community, and resilience.
After hearing about the program from friends, Lily saw the opportunity as a chance to step beyond her comfort zone. “As a boarding student from California, I haven’t been deeply immersed in Massachusetts high school leadership culture,” she says. “So I took advantage of HOBY as an exciting opportunity to swim in new waters and branch out beyond what I am accustomed to.”
Held over three days, the seminar brought together student leaders from across the state to engage in workshops, community building, and self-discovery. For Lily, one of the most powerful takeaways came from meeting students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
“I discerned differences in how students approached leadership, collaboration, and social interaction as they reflected the values and priorities of their distinct local communities,” she explains.
A standout moment came during an improv-based leadership workshop, which challenged Lily’s understanding of effective leadership. Led by professional comedians, the session introduced the concept of leading without a script, a message that stuck. “Structure certainly matters, but rigidity can impede growth,” she says. “I recognized the significance of the ability to pivot when circumstances shift.”
Her adaptability has already been put to the test. Back on campus, Lily drew from her HOBY experience while leading a junior class matcha fundraiser. When the event ran out of ingredients mid-sale, quick thinking and collaboration with dining staff allowed the team to restock and keep sales running smoothly. “That flexibility, paired with the planning we had already done, allowed the event to succeed,” she says.
The group discussions at HOBY created a space for Lily to share her ideas while also reflecting on the perspectives of others. She notes that the experience expanded her worldview and helped her approach situations with greater understanding. “Empathy and the most sincere connections often come in my quietest moments when I am actively listening,” she says.
From her HOBY experience, Lily brought back to campus a renewed commitment to lead with authenticity. To future CA students considering HOBY, she offers this advice: “The more energy and enthusiasm you bring, the more rewarding the experience will be.”
