When Lucas Hobson’s mom adopted him from China and moved to Charlottesville, Va. at age eight, it marked his final year at an orphanage. Hobson said he recognized that he left behind some peers who have not received the same opportunities. Now, he is double concentrating in management and marketing as a freshman.
While Hobson is interested in the fields of marketing or entrepreneurship, he hopes to eventually return to his orphanage and help in any way possible, fueled by his passion for service.
This summer Hobson plans to study abroad in Thailand. One of the services he will participate in will be at an orphanage in a women’s center. He will help the orphanage by teaching people English.
“Being adopted at such an older age of eight years old, I’ve really experienced a lot in the orphanage and that transition to America,” said Hobson. “Like how thankful I am for the opportunities that I got to go and get an education and be able to have a better-looking future than some of my peers that are still in the orphanage.”
As Student Government Association (SGA) freshman class president, Hobson spends about three hours a week dedicated solely to SGA. He also works for the alumni office, serves on the presidential advisory committee and is a member of the Joan of Arc Leadership Program.
“I have a passion for helping other people,” said Hobson.
He said part of what inspired him to serve others was the help he received in his transition from the orphanage to life in America.
“I’m in the Phi Mu Delta brotherhood and we go to Josh Bolt’s house which is our local philanthropy. He has cerebral palsy and I go with them a couple of times a week to help him with his physical therapy and babysitting his younger brother,” said Hobson.
In the midst of Hobson’s dedication and service to Longwood and the community, he encouraged students to make the most of their time.
“Don’t take your time for granted,” said Hobson. “Be in the moment with your time. I feel like as millennials we’re kind of always on the go.”
