A once in a lifetime opportunity of connecting with people from all around the world and to help lead projects that benefit communities arose for Emmaus High School Student Meenapriya Muthiah. This past summer she was invited to attend the World Leadership Congress in Chicago where she dove into the world of initiative.
Hugh O’Brian established the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) organization in 1958 and believed very strongly in the idea of service above self, where he then wanted to spread this message to the youth to help them realize their leadership potential. Muthiah attended the East Penn camp, which any sophomore can do, and where they select any two students for a scholarship to the leadership congress.
“They called us ambassadors and we got divided into smaller groups where we do service projects,” Muthiah said. “We designed a specific project for our communities to take back, and then we did leadership training.”
While HOBY strives to expand the younger generation’s leadership skills, it also allows them to connect with people who have similar passions.
“Because of HOBY, I feel more connected to people who are passionate about the same things I am,” Muthiah said. “I feel like I’m more confident that I can use my skills in a future job, maybe as an engineer, to really help people and to solve global challenges.”
Muthiah was able to gain insight and skill within this opportunity that she can apply in her life currently and in the future. She learned being a leader isn’t just about leading a group, but rather connecting with people and helping your community.
“HOBY has taught me that leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s more about being resilient and being able to overcome adversity,” Muthiah said.
Muthiah worked with two girls from Hong Kong and Canada, and created the “Unlocked Project.” It helps benefit international students while also enhancing their leadership skills by incorporating something they are passionate about.
“Even though I live here [PA], I’m technically an international student, and it was a cause that we were all passionate about,” Muthiah said. “We provide them with resources and prep for college because it’s very different when you’re coming from outside the country.”
Muthiah’s peers have recognized her leadership expanding within her classes and clubs. Ian Hoenscheid has especially seen this in the Academic Team, where he participates alongside Muthiah, and has seen her continuously grow as a leader.
“She is always very willing to help people and always is looking to make an impact,” Hoenscheid said. “She’s a good leader and she definitely puts everything she can into all of her work.”
Muthiah has always taken authoritative roles in clubs and has always pitched in when she was needed. Rachel Kramer, a science teacher at EHS, has recognized her ability to help others and her ability to get involved.
“Meena is very involved in both her community and her academics,” Kramer said. “She is always smiling and goes out of her way to support her peers.”
Muthiah hopes that the skills she has acquired from the leadership congress can positively impact her surroundings. One thing that stood out to her was how they created a safe environment for everyone to share their viewpoints, and she hopes to help build that kind of culture here at EHS.
“I want to help build that culture here, in my community,” Muthiah said. “One that’s positive, inclusive, and driven by service instead of competition or pushing people down.”
