TEHILLAH HEPHZIBAH, LA2

Although there is no doubt that Tehillah Hephzibah (Los Angeles Cohort 2 Hidden Genius Alum) loves The Hidden Genius Project, he was not always this self-assured. In the beginning, Tehillah described himself as “being closed off” and often listened more than he talked. Over the course of 15 months, Tehillah not only became a more social person, but he also discovered the endless possibilities available at his fingertips, leading to his current journey studying abroad in Europe as a business major, with a minor in fashion. Tehillah recently connected with us (virtually from Florence, Italy) to share his incredible journey and the growth he experienced during his time in our program.

How have you been?

Life has been pretty good! I’m currently studying abroad in Europe during my freshman year at Marist College. It’s been an amazing experience so far as I’ve had the opportunity to travel to places such as Milan, London, and Barcelona. Being able to travel around the world, make new friends, and create memorable experiences has been great.

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I first learned about The Hidden Genius Project when my mom signed up me and my brother (Joshua Hephzibah LA2) for the program in 2021. I wasn’t too excited about learning how the program was 15 months long and I figured it would be a waste of time. Once I joined and started to attend programming, they proved my initial expectations wrong due to the constant acts of kindness, endless support, and opportunities The Hidden Genius Project provided.

What was your experience in the program like?

Growing up, I was never really in a place where a majority of the people looked like me. In the program, I enjoyed being around people who look more like myself and connecting with them. Throughout my life, all of the schools I attended were predominantly white or Hispanic students so joining The Hidden Genius Project was a sigh of relief and comfort for me.

It is hard to pick one special highlight because I had so many great experiences in the program. I enjoyed being in class where we played games, listened to music, and talked with one another. The educators always made the classes very fun and interactive, especially with the projects and lessons we were learning. The staff also taught us the value of working hard and what it means to be a good role model for each other and our communities.

At the beginning of the program, I had a hard time with not speaking up more and being closed off. I am somewhat of a quiet person, and most of the time, I listen more than I talk. As I progressed through the program, I learned how to talk more and start conversations with my peers. What I had to start doing differently was opening up and becoming more engaging in conversations. Rather than staying silent, I would voice my opinion and give longer responses during discussions which helped me connect with my brothers. To this day, I still consider myself a quiet person, but I have for sure improved my communication skills after being a part of The Hidden Genius Project.

Overall, there were many great experiences during my time in the program and I loved being in a place where I felt safe and heard.

Describe the website you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.

I have always been very interested in fashion, dressing up, and styling people which is why I created my own clothing brand called Official Clothing. I designed my own website for my business using all of the functions and tools the staff taught us to help make it presentable. My favorite thing about building the website was seeing how much code you have to put into it to make it perform all the different functions. Learning all of this was very interesting to me because I wasn’t aware of how much effort it required to create a website, but it was a fun thing to do.

How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?

I would say it is different because of the variety of things The Hidden Genius Project teaches us, while some experiences only focused on teaching me one skill. During my time in the program, I was introduced to coding concepts, how to start and run my own business, and build my website. Outside of my technical abilities, one skill I developed that I do not think I would have learned anywhere else is my communication skills. My communication skills have been beneficial to me in making friends, especially with people out here in Europe. I use these skills in the classroom, with friend groups, and while meeting new people in public. I truly love The Hidden Genius Project because they taught us many skills and how to use them in the real world. 

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?

Because of my experience in The Hidden Genius Project, I learned how to be a leader. The staff showed me what it means to set an example for my brothers and be someone they can look up to. I believe it is important to be a strong role model for my peers because it can help support their growth and maturity.

Another major skill I learned was about entrepreneurship, especially when it comes to starting and running my own company. First, you always have to have a pitch ready to share the purpose and goals of your business. Secondly, I learned to make sure you know what your customer’s interests and needs are and align that with your business goals.

What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level (development, relationship, community, etc.) from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?

I would say my relationships with all of the other Geniuses is a very important thing I have gained. I still continue to keep in contact with a majority of my brothers from my cohort. I believe these relationships are very special because we have a lot in common, allowing us to connect on a personal and professional level.

If I didn’t join The Hidden Genius Project I wouldn’t have had the confidence to travel this far from home and study abroad. Ultimately, the program boosted my confidence by continuously reminding me and showing me how much potential I have and what I’m capable of. This allowed my confidence to grow and push me to become the best version of myself.  I know The Hidden Genius Project played a major role in helping me realize my true potential due to their constant love and support.

In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?

After I completed the program, I continued to work with The Hidden Genius Project as a Youth Educator. As a Youth Educator, the first lesson I taught was a leadership and life skills session with the Geniuses. We also discussed the difference between short and long-term goals and I was able to show them examples of my personal goals to help inspire them which was pretty cool.

Now, I have been working as a Youth Care Coordinator where I help set up the programming space, prepare for events, and reach out to Geniuses to ensure they attend programming. 

By working as a Youth Educator and Care Coordinator, I’ve gotten to help future Geniuses gain knowledge and feel at home. I love talking to current Geniuses because they become inspired hearing about my journey in the program and what I am doing now in college.

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say? 

Be patient and trust the process. It’s not what you think and you will for sure become a better version either during or by the end of the program. 

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses? 

I would tell them the same thing I told myself before; be patient and trust the process. At first, you may not think much of the program, but as you continue to trust in the process and tell yourself you can, then you will eventually come to love the program.