I didn’t know what to expect when I started envisioning a creative competition as a fun way for HIOBS alumni to share their Outward Bound experiences. Would people submit? Would people want to share their creative work with us? But as the submissions started to come in, three things became clear.

First, each submission was unique and varied. No two entries were the same; two people might submit a piece of writing, but one, a poem, shared little in common with another, an autobiographical essay. Our HIOBS alumni sent us images of a hand-made guitar, paintings, photographs, and even a quilt. But while all were unique, each submission had the common thread of an Outward Bound expedition running through them, and the judges and I could feel that thread pulling us along. 

The second thing I realized was just how moving each individual’s story could be. In my role at HIOBS, I regularly talk to our alumni and hear their stories. Still, there was something remarkable when those alumni stories were paired with a beautiful piece of art or accompanied by a poem. I loved each story and want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who shared them with me! 

Lastly, and perhaps least surprising, was what a talented bunch of alumni we have. Each submission was equally impressive in quality. As I viewed, read, and listened to each piece, I knew that the judges would not have an easy time choosing. But alas, there could be only one winner, and that winner, as most know by now, was Sophia Johnson’s beautiful black and white Zendoodle of a pulling boat at sea.

While the competition might be over, I would still love to hear your story, see your artwork, or connect by email or phone. Please feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected] or join the alumni group by registering here: https://www.hiobs.org/connect/alumni-registration/

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