What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I created a more welcoming, more aesthetically pleasing, wheelchair accessible outdoor area at the Denver Fisher House. I designed it so current and former service members and their families during their stay would benefit and enjoy the space while they are undergoing intensive medical procedures.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
I measured my impact based upon the actual changes made in the space and on the people that relied upon the area. While I was driving my project, it was important to me that I met and exceeded the Fisher House’s expectations, because they are a very worthy organization. My overall goal was to make the area more accessible, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing. In accomplishing that, I have deemed my project a success.
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
I created my project with sustainability in mind. I used long-lasting materials, such as concrete edging and quality paint, and I planted perennials so they would come back each year, without having to be replanted. My project can go weeks or months without attention, due to the materials, and Colorado environment.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
The Fisher House is a global organization, with 69 houses currently in operation in several countries, and plans to build several more houses in coming years. In addition, the people that stay at the Denver Fisher House are stationed all over the world, and they are the ones who will benefit from my project. I also sent out booklets to every Fisher House in the world, detailing my project and partnership with the Denver Fisher House.
What did you learn about yourself?
This project taught me coordination, communication, leadership, and problem solving skills that would otherwise have been impossible to gain. Most of all, my journey taught me to be realistic in my expectations and timeline. I learned how to step back and ask myself, “Is this attainable on my current timeline?” before I began, and to refine my plan or timeline if I found that it was not possible in its current state.
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
I believe that the skills that I have learned because of this project will stay with me for the rest of my life, but they are not done developing. I believe that I will continue to enhance my ability to lead a diverse group of people who may be older and much more experienced than I am. A key part of leadership is the desire and the drive to make yourself and those around you better, this project has taught me that. I will continue to learn about different leadership and motivational techniques and I will learn how to execute them in a way that will benefit all with whom I work. I have laid a foundation of leadership skills and confidence upon which I will build my future.
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I feel my entire Girl Scout journey has built up to my Gold Award. It was in many ways the final test of the skills I have learned. My project tested my creativity and leadership abilities, however I was well prepared to take on this challenge. Girl Scouts produces strong young women who are able to act as individuals and leaders, and that is exactly what is needed to accomplish a project of this scale.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org