What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I taught a five-day online course about how to write and read cursive.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
I made a survey for them to finish at the end of my last day of classes. I also took screenshots of their handwriting throughout the week to show how their calligraphy progressed.
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
I had multiple things that helped my project be sustainable. I had an online university (The 8 Gates University) sponsor my cursive course for two years. I made a YouTube Channel and put up videos that summarize and teach the course. I found a platform called Teachers Pay Teachers where I put my video course on as well. And lastly, I’m working with my local library to have my course put onto their Facebook page.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
The 8 Gates, YouTube, and Teachers Pay Teachers are global platforms. I also used the National Archives to show my students the importance of cursive. I also used it as a place for them to go to for practicing their cursive.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that things don’t go as planned, and the best way to deal with it is by finding alternative ways to finish your project. I also learned that teaching is a lot harder than I had thought.
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
I have learned how to teach online, how to use an online program, how to present things with confidence, and how to calm myself when I get stressed. I think those skills will help me greatly in the future.
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
It helped enforce the leadership skills that I had been learning ever since I started ten years ago.
How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
I think I really used my go-getter and innovator skills when I did this project, especially after COVID-19 started. I had to come up with new ideas for my project while still keeping the same time for when I was going to conduct my five-day cursive course.
**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.