Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

We had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth, a freshman in college who recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Elizabeth's project, titled "Wisdom Wings," aims to support survivors of sexual abuse by providing care packages to police stations. These packages include stress toys, journals, pens, and informational pamphlets to help victims navigate the reporting process.
Elizabeth shared her personal connection to the project, revealing her own experience with abuse as a child and the challenges she faced in reporting it. This deeply personal journey inspired her to write a children's book, "Lee Learns a Lesson," which teaches kids about consent and boundaries. The book is available on Amazon, and all profits go towards funding the care packages.
Throughout the episode, Elizabeth discussed the various challenges she faced, including coordinating with police stations and writing a children's book. She also highlighted the support she received from her illustrator, Holly Perda, and the Orange County Mental Health Organization.
Elizabeth's project has received positive feedback from both police officers and survivors who have benefited from the care packages. She also shared her favorite memories from the project, including her first public speaking event and receiving the first physical copy of her book.
In addition to her Gold Award project, Elizabeth talked about her previous Girl Scout achievements, including her Bronze and Silver Awards.
She also offered advice for other Girl Scouts considering similar projects, emphasizing the importance of passion and perseverance.
Elizabeth's story is a powerful example of how personal experiences can inspire meaningful change. Her dedication to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and her passion for writing and public speaking are truly inspiring. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share her journey on the Hearts of Gold podcast.

More About Elizabeth:

I’ve been in Girl Scouts since I was in first grade. I’ve completed my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. Through my Fold Award I have found my passion for writing a children’s book, speaking out about my story, and supporting survivors of sexual abuse. I’m currently finishing my last week of my freshman year of college at Suny Cortland with a dual major in Business Economics and Communication.

In addition, I have had my book placed in three libraries; Bruggemeyer Library (Monterey Park, CA), Alhambra Civic Library (Alhambra, CA), and Queens Public Library (Queens, NY).
You can also find the eBook on my website at hiddenjewelsofasia.com.

Website Link: https://linktr.ee/wisdomwings?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Link to ebook: www.hiddenjewelsofasia.com

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Elizabeth's Girl Scout Gold Award project, Wisdom Wings, focuses on supporting survivors of sexual abuse by providing care packages and a children's book called "Lee Learns a Lesson."
• Elizabeth's personal connection to her project stems from her own experience of being abused as a child, which inspired her to create resources to help others in similar situations.
• Elizabeth's project has received positive feedback, with care packages being helpful to survivors and her book receiving support and praise. She has also expanded her project to college campuses and is continuously working to grow and sustain it.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

We had the pleasure of speaking with Haley about her impactful Girl Scout Gold Award project. Haley's project focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of distracted walking, particularly in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She observed that many people, especially younger generations, are often engrossed in their phones while walking, which poses significant safety risks.

Haley shared how her project was inspired by the lack of attention given to pedestrian safety compared to the numerous campaigns on distracted driving. She created a website, brochure, and a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to educate students, particularly those in driving schools, about the importance of staying aware of their surroundings while walking.

Haley's project was a collaborative effort, involving her mother, a video creator who served as her Gold Award advisor, and representatives from the Houston Police Department and Metro Rail. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Haley successfully completed her project with the support of her team.

We also discussed the roles of a project advisor and a council mentor, and how Haley's advisor, with her video editing skills, significantly strengthened the project. Haley emphasized the importance of choosing a project advisor who can fill in the gaps in your skill set and provide valuable guidance.

Haley reflected on the challenges she faced, including balancing her project with her senior year of high school and overcoming doubts about the project's importance. She shared her favorite memory of the project, which was the collaborative and fun process of editing the PSA video.

In addition to her Gold Award project, Haley talked about her long-standing involvement with Girl Scouts, her experiences with volunteering, and a memorable destination trip to Los Angeles where she learned about filmmaking. She highlighted the importance of choosing a project that you are passionate about and the fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on the community.

Haley is currently a senior in college, pursuing a degree in computer science with a focus on data analytics. She plans to continue her involvement in volunteer and charity work while exploring her creative interests.

To wrap up the episode, Haley shared her unique way of making s'mores, preferring a lightly toasted marshmallow with a honey graham cracker and a Hershey's bar.
Thank you for joining us today, and be sure to follow or subscribe to stay updated on new episodes. If you have a Gold Award story to share, reach out to us at growandshareatoutlook.com. Catch up on previous episodes on your favorite podcast platforms or watch the full video versions on YouTube.

More About Hailey:

Hi! My name is Hailey, and I'm a proud Girl Scouts of San Jacinto County alum. I've been a Girl Scout from 2009 to 2022, and I've been awarded the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. I've also been awarded the Senior and Cadette Journey Summit Award, and the Silver & Gold Torch Award. I'm currently in my senior year of college studying Computer Science at the University of Houston Clear Lake, and I plan on graduating this December 2024.

Website Link: https://www.petextriansafety.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileyrthomas01

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Haley's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on raising awareness about distracted walking, especially among younger generations.

2. Haley emphasized the importance of finding a project advisor who complements your skills and fills in your weak points to make the project stronger.

3. Haley shared her future plans of pursuing a degree in computer science and working in data analytics, while also expressing a desire to continue volunteering and charity work.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Valerie's Girl Scout Gold Award project addressed the critical issue of cat overpopulation in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Partnering with her local Humane Society, HAWS, she contributed to their Project Guardian initiative by building weather-resistant cat shelters and creating an educational video presentation on the causes and effects of cat overpopulation.
Valerie shared her journey, from her initial inspiration driven by her love for animals to the challenges she faced, particularly with the technological aspects of her project. She emphasized the importance of communication and leadership, skills she honed throughout her project. Valerie also highlighted the support she received from her project advisors, her troop, and her family, which was instrumental in her success.
We delved into her favorite memories, including building the shelters with her troop and the satisfaction of seeing her project come to fruition. Valerie also offered valuable advice for other Girl Scouts considering their Gold Award, encouraging them to take the leap and reassuring them of the support available throughout the process.
Currently studying mass communications with an emphasis on public relations at Winona State University, Valerie aspires to work for an organization that positively impacts the community, potentially even Girl Scouts.

More About Valerie:

Valerie has been a part of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast since 1st grade. Her troop created birdhouses for the Chinook Program Center for their Bronze Award and organized a community game night at their middle school to collect supplies and raise awareness for veterans for their Silver Award. Now, she and her troop return to day camp as alumni volunteers.

In addition to her involvement in Girl Scouts, Valerie has participated in the National Honor Society, the Girls Golf team, and the marching band at her high school. She is currently studying Mass Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations at Winona State University, where she is also a member of Delta Phi Epsilon. With her degree, she hopes to work for a business that gives back to the community, such as a local news station or her local Girl Scout council.

Project Link: https://hawspets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_HAWS_TattleTails_AUGUST_forWeb.pdf

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Valerie's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on addressing cat overpopulation in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, by creating shelters for feral cats and educating the community about the issue.

2. Valerie learned the importance of communication, leadership, and time management skills throughout her project, highlighting the support and guidance available to Gold Award candidates.

3. Starting her project in the sophomore year allowed Valerie to develop skills and passion for her project, although she acknowledged that working with shorter timeframes might have helped her prioritize tasks more efficiently.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Kaylee, an inspiring young woman who has achieved remarkable feats both in her Girl Scout journey and in her athletic endeavors, shares the story of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, where she built over 100 feet of wooden bridges on the John P. Saylor Trail in Gallitzin State Forest.

This project was inspired by her own experiences running on the muddy trails and aimed to improve the trail for all users. She discusses the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them with the help of her friends and the local community.

Kaylee also delved into her passion for ultra marathon running, revealing that she started running ultras at the age of 14 and recently became the youngest person to complete the Badwater 135, known as the world's toughest foot race and the crucial role her support crew played in her success.

Throughout our conversation, Kaylee emphasized the importance of leadership, teamwork, and communication, skills she honed through both her Gold Award project and her ultra running. She also shared her future aspirations, including her double major in biology and secondary education, and offered encouraging words for future Gold Award Girl Scouts.

Kaylee's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the impact of Girl Scouts beyond just selling cookies. Her dedication to her projects and her sport is truly inspiring, and I am grateful she took the time to share her journey with us.

More About Kaylee:

Kaylee started Girl Scouts as a Daisy in Kindergarten and remained an active member all the way through her senior year of high school as an Ambassador. She was also very active in extracurriculars and sports at Conemaugh Township, including soccer, track and field, cross country, Rotary Interact Club, Jazz Band, and Spanish Club. Kaylee is a CrossFit Level One Trainer and an avid ultra-marathon runner outside of school. She is attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to obtain a double major in biology and secondary education and a minor in chemistry with hopes of becoming a high school biology teacher.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylee.frederick.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederick.kaylee/

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Kaylee's Gold Award project involved building wooden bridges on a local trail to improve the experience for hikers and runners.

2. Kaylee's experience running ultra marathons, including completing the challenging Badwater 135 race, showcases her determination and endurance.

3. Kaylee's involvement in CrossFit and coaching at a local gym demonstrates her commitment to fitness and helping others achieve their goals.

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Isabel has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten. Isabel and her troop have plans to stay together with her friends until they graduate from High School.
They are saving all their cookies and fall products proceeds for a cruise in 2027. Some of Isabel's best memories in Girl Scouting were the photo booth they had at their Bronze Award Community Pet Care Fair, doing a baking class over zoom during COVID, and going to Universal and Savannah with her troop. Scouting has given her plenty of memories to share with others like camping in the low 30’s in the treehouses at Indian Echo, attending the National Girl Scout Convention in Orlando where she met scouts from all over the World, all the fun they had renovating the Heritage Room for the Marines as part of their Silver Award, and many more. Through Girl Scouts, Isabel has been able to travel too… Last summer she went to Tallahassee, Helen, and Savannah Georgia, and Asheville North Carolina. After this spring break she'll be going to India; she can't wait for that trip. Besides Girl Scouts, she’s also an active member of BSA. With them, she gets to camp every month and try outdoor activities like canoeing, tubing, outdoor cooking, hiking, etc. She also gets to meet scouts from other schools and try other things. Isabel's plans include attending college to pursue a STEM career like engineering. This summer she will attend a summer program training that would help her not only explore college campuses but also determine which type of engineering she likes.

https://sites.google.com/view/isabels-gold-award-project/home?fbclid=IwAR3pDi5HySifOcCznVQ86bCkCCQWafI876v9O6Y5WtS-mQargrE8LT-k2RM

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Isabel's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on water conservation, including replacing shower heads, installing rain barrels, and educating others on water efficiency.

2. Isabel learned the importance of accepting help from others during her Gold Award project, emphasizing that leadership involves collaboration and support.

3. Isabel shared her experience at Lowe's, highlighting the challenges of public speaking and the importance of persistence in engaging with the audience.

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Sarah Bland is a high school senior from Richmond, Virginia, where she lives with her mom, dad, and brother. Sarah runs cross country and track year round, and she has been an active member of her Girl Scout troop for 13 years. In her free time, she loves exploring new restaurants, hiking with friends, baking, and working as a lifeguard. After graduation, she plans to attend university and study health sciences. Several years ago, Sarah experienced iron deficiency, which impacted her performance as an athlete and her health overall. After learning how common it is in female athletes, she decided to dedicate her Girl Scout Gold Project to educating others about iron deficiency in athletes. Her goal was to inform athletes, parents, and coaches about the importance of iron, and how to prevent and treat iron deficiency, so they can be healthy and reach their full potential.

https://www.energetichealthyathlete.com/

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/iron-deficiency-jan-18-2024

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Iron Deficiency in Athletes: Sarah's Gold Award project focused on spreading awareness about iron deficiency in athletes, particularly female athletes. Up to 35% of female athletes may experience this condition, which is often overlooked by doctors. Sarah's project aimed to educate coaches, parents, and athletes about the signs and importance of getting tested for iron deficiency.

2. Creating Awareness through Infographics and Videos: Sarah utilized tools like Canva to create infographics and Doodly to make videos to explain the key information about iron deficiency. These visual aids helped in effectively communicating the message and educating the audience about the importance of iron levels in the body.

3. Persistence and Passion in Achieving Goals: Sarah's project took over 200 hours to complete, highlighting the time-consuming nature of the Gold Award process. Despite the challenges faced in creating a website, video, and conducting research, Sarah's passion for informing others about iron deficiency kept her motivated. She learned that with dedication and persistence, she could achieve her goals and make a positive impact in her community.

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Watch the full episode! https://youtu.be/Z4CUJSXgLOw

Sophia shares her inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Beyond the Attic Boutique," aimed at providing formal and special occasion wear for foster youth without the need to disclose their foster care status. She discusses how she collected donations, the process for foster children to access the boutique, and the heartwarming feedback she received. Sophia also reflects on her previous bronze and silver award projects, her experiences as a National Girl Scout Convention delegate, and the valuable skills she gained through Girl Scouting. She offers advice for Girl Scouts pursuing their Gold Award and highlights the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Additionally, Sophia talks about her future plans in nursing and the support she received from her team. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with empowerment and determination.

More from Sofia:

My name is Sofia Martinez and I’m from Las Vegas, Nevada. I started Girl Scouts in the second grade going in as a Brownie and ended as an Ambassador after I graduated and have moved on to being a lifetime member. Since then, I’ve gone on to receive my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award and become involved in many other Girl Scout related activities such as Being selected as a Delegate for the National Girl Scout Convention, Dessert before Dinner, and more. Aside from Girl Scouts, I’ve played soccer my whole life and am an avid reader. Throughout high school, I was involved in many clubs such as Medical Society, NHS, and Key Club. Currently, I’m a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in Nursing with plans to pursue a Master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MIJu-7QXu0

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Erika shares her journey from her Gold Award project to becoming a mental health advocate, speaker, and author. Erika's Gold Award project combined her passion for dance with her desire to work with children, leading her to teach dance to underserved kids in Chicago. This experience not only fulfilled her goal of exposing children to the arts but also taught her invaluable lessons about love, leadership, and the impact of creative outlets on mental health.
Erika opened up about her personal struggles with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, which she has been dealing with since childhood. Her journey through these challenges led her to become an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls, a role that played a significant part in her path to recovery. Erika's experiences have fueled her mission to educate and empower others about mental health and wellness.
She has since authored middle-grade books that weave mental health themes into engaging stories for young readers. Her books, "Squad Goals," "Cookie Monsters," and the upcoming "Insta Famous," aim to provide children with the language and tools to navigate their mental health and to normalize therapy. Erika's work is a testament to the power of channeling one's struggles into positive change for oneself and others.

More about Erika:

Erika J. Kendrick is a bestselling author, an award-winning national speaker, and a mental fitness expert. She earned a psychology degree from Stanford University and an MBA in marketing and international business from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erika was an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls before writing her novels, Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader and Appetite (Random House). She is currently touring her bestselling middle grade novels, Squad Goals and Cookie Monsters (Little, Brown Publishing). Her next novel, Instafamous, has a fall 2024 publication date. After battling her brain pain, Erika founded Mental Fitness for Life where she launched her Mental Fitness book tour, “Who Moved My Happy?” While talking to audiences of all backgrounds and ages, Erika shares her story of brain pain and inspires hope by creating safe spaces for life-saving conversations. She has presented, keynoted, and guest lectured at colleges and universities across the country as well as the US Army and Air Force, national sororities and fraternities, middle and high schools, conferences, and Fortune 500 corporations. She has toured with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a speaker with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) where she has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Erika is a recipient of several “Who’s Who” honors, a Rising Icon honor, and several Awards of Excellence. Erika has taken the stage for TEDx, appeared on Good Morning America, NBC News, CBS News, The Wendy Williams Experience, national television and radio segments, and a host of other media outlets. She has been featured in several publications, including Page Six of The New York Post, The Huffington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and various magazines and digital media.

https://www.instagram.com/erikajkendrick/
https://www.facebook.com/erikakendrick/
http://xoerika.com/

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