Taylor Hale
Boulder
Niwot High School
Music on the Brain
What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I provided some relief to Alzheimer’s patients through my therapeutic music program, which also offered company to these lonely nursing home residents.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
Music has the potential to unlock otherwise lost memories for Alzheimer’s patients and temporarily relieve cognitive and behavioral symptoms. I plan to study neuroscience in college and this was a great introduction to mental illnesses and treatment.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
I provided therapeutic music sessions and a person to talk to for the residents. In the future, my project will mostly have the impact of education about the benefits of similar projects via the project’s blog and newspaper article.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
I improved my communication skills and gained self-confidence in situations outside of my comfort zone.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I will remember the people and the experiences I had at the home. The residents were some of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I am glad I was able to talk to them and hear their stories.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
Going into college as a pre-med/neuroscience major and having this background with mental illness reminds me why what I want to do is so important and has the potential to impact so many people.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I think that my Gold Award serves as a capstone to my Girl Scout experience. I was able to do my own project, specifically in my own area of interest. It also served as a transition project from high school into college.