Gold Award Project Blog

Project Reflection #1 (10/15/2024)

I've been making good progress with my Gold Award so far. I've increased my outreach, connected with engine leaders, and gotten the word out about my project. It's been a positive experience overall.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been witnessing the genuine support and care people have for the cause behind my project. The community I'm involved with is incredibly diverse, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. It's inspiring to see how different perspectives and experiences shape our understanding of the world, especially in times of crisis.

I've learned a lot about how things operate in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing war. This experience has broadened my understanding and appreciation for different cultures and circumstances.

Case Study / Social Media Activities  (9/23/24)

I was able to get 10 sets of flyers out in August/September but no social media posts….needed to have my website done.   But now that its complete I can start doing that.   I have a catch up call with my Project Sponsor to get back on track with the Case Study.

Getting Ready to Start Presentations   (9/18/24)

I set a goal of 10 presentations at school or in the community to promote Engin.    Over the weekend I was able to list out who I would like to do my presentations to.  Most of the clubs in school are just starting to re-organize so I’d like to do three groups a month in school.   This week I’ve been stopping in to talk to teachers and told them I’d be in touch about when I can do my presentations.

Building My Website.....Uggghhhh   (9/2/24)

Wow….I’ll say it again….wow.    This was soooo much work.   I am using Squarespace.com as my web hosting company and this turned into much more work than I ever expected.   My Dad was able to help me figure out how the site worked and how to use templates.     Then I deleted my site and had to start over.     Once I finally got a site that looked right, then I realized it looked terrible on my phone.   So then I had to go back and adjust the site so it looks one way on a computer monitor and looks a different way on a phone.  I really didn’t think it would take this much time.    But now I know what to do. I can make changes much quicker.

Vacation / End of Summer / Back to School   (8/30/24)

I lost a lot of time in August/September and didn’t do too much on my social media or promoting of Engin.  Kept up with my sessions with Solomia.  Now that were back to class my schedule should be more predictable and I can work on this more.

Student Matching and First Sessions  (08/11/24)

Finally got matched with my speaking buddy Solomia .   The first match they gave me had some problems and it took another week to get me matched up.    Solomia is a college student who speaks English on a intermediate level.   We fill this in.

First Presentation   (7/14/24)

On Saturday at Camp we had a day off and I gathered the available CSI, CIT’s and staff and gave a quick presentation of my Gold Award Project.   I have to admit it didn’t go very well and I wasn’t prepared…I was nervous.   I think I need a few speaking points on my phone so my presentation will go better.

Camp   (7/7 - 7/20/24)

Off to my favorite place in the world, Camp Archbald for two weeks.   Don’t think I’ll be able to do much until I get back

Engin Ambassador Application / Training  (7/5/24)

This wasn’t as hard as I expected it to be.   A lot of reading and I will be spending my time doing social media posts, creating videos and posting flyers around town.   I’m expected to do 5 per month and there is a Google form to submit.

Engin Program Application / Interview /Training  (7/2/24)

Created an account for myself today and completed the Engin program application.    It was very easy to fill out and I think I will make my first video showing how easy it was to sign up.

After signing up, I choose a time for my interview before getting started with a student.   After that I had to take two hours of training online.    I had the option of live training or pre-recorded on You Tube.  I did the live training.

Project Approval  (6/27/24)

Got my project approved today!   Preparing my proposal took much longer than I expected it and I didn’t think it would be approved in my first meeting with Brynn.  Want to get all my paperwork into Engin before I go to Camp Archbald.