What did you do for your Gold Award project?
For my Gold Award project, I created and implemented a closet into my high school office that held various feminine hygiene products and resources, called the Closet of Confidence. Along with the closet, I began open and honest conversations with faculty, students, and parents about the discomfort felt in young female students coming to school on their periods and not feeling prepared. My project overall addressed the issue of the lack of availability of feminine hygiene products in middle and high schools, and the statistically low self-esteem gained when a young woman is on her period, which can lead to her missing school days and prohibiting her from getting a full, uninterrupted education. The Closet of Confidence ensures that a young woman will never have to limit her education by a circumstance she cannot control and provides her with confidence and assurance to learn without barriers.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
The Closet of Confidence has been used by several high school girls, and in talking with them about the closet’s impact, they have stated that the product’s presence has eased their mind about coming to school on their periods. My audience learned that being on their period doesn’t mean they have to stay home and miss out on their education. They have products there for them to equip them to have the confidence to get a good education. The Closet of Confidence has been publicized and will have even further use going into the coming school years
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
I partnered with the National Honor Society at my school, and they have agreed that any products brought in for the closet will be counted for service hours, depending on how much product. Along with the National Honor Society, the Parent Teacher Organization will be contributing. They plan on evaluating every semester if the closet needs refilling and will place in products via their own funds or run a PTO sponsored donation drive for the closet. My project advisor, Jana Wilson, works in the school office and will ensure that product gets placed.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
For my national connection, I have been in contact with several educators around Colorado and the country who are eager and willing to help encourage their communities to implement the Closet of Confidence into their school districts.
What did you learn about yourself?
Throughout this whole process, I learned several things about myself. I learned that I am fueled by what I am passionate about. Uplifting young women and giving them the resources they need to be successful and confident gives me great joy and encourages me to continue on a path of persuing passion. I also learned a lot about what confidence truly is, where it comes from, and what it means to me. Confidence does not come from an outside source or someone telling you you’re worthy, it comes from a deep knowledge that the authentic you is worthy and capable, which gives you the confidence to be bold and be yourself. This is definitely the biggest insight I gained in doing my project.
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
In earning my Gold Award, I have gained an experience in leadership, management, and service that will benefit me in my academic and professional careers as I continue toward my goals. My interests and passions were reinforced, and I intend to continue my journey to uplifting and empowering women of all ages. Above all, in the midst of a pandemic, and an extremely challenging year, I saw this project to completion. I had to dig deep to make it happen and I did it. I am confident in my ability to see future projects to completion as well.
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I have been involved with Girl Scouts since first grade and have met some of my best friends and have gained experiences that I will treasure forever and look back on with gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned. The other girls in my troop and my troop leader have truly inspired me, and we all have offered love and support for one another these many years. Completing my Gold Award is the best way to conclude a phenomenal Girl Scout experience.
How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
Earning my Gold Award undoubtably helped me become a G.I.R.L. I learned how to reach for my goals for the Closet of Confidence as a go-getter. I saw the need for a change and something new in my school system, so I took action in creating it as an innovator. I entered into conversations about topics that are considered taboo, such as feminine hygiene, and encouraged open discussion, teaching me to be a risk-taker. Finally, I learned how communication, cooperation and management are what make a good leader.
**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.