• Ep 148 Empowering Neurodiversity: Piya's Journey to the Girl Scout Gold Award
    Oct 31 2024

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

    Piya's project focused on increasing education and awareness around neurodiversity advocacy, a topic that is close to her heart. She began by founding her school's first neurodiversity affinity group, creating a safe space for neurodivergent youth.
    Piya shared her journey of developing workshops and assemblies for both her peers and teachers, emphasizing the importance of updated training on neurodiversity. With the support of her school's learning support team and feedback from neurodivergent students, she was able to create impactful presentations and a toolkit to help others start similar initiatives across the country.
    We discussed the challenges she faced, particularly in implementing neurodiversity training at her school, and how she overcame them through persistence and collaboration with school administration. Piya also reflected on the rewarding moments of her project, especially the positive feedback from students who felt represented and heard.
    In addition to her work with Girl Scouts, Piya is involved in the Miss America organization, where she continues her advocacy for neurodiversity. She highlighted how her experiences in both organizations have empowered her and provided her with unique opportunities to make a difference in her community.
    Piya encouraged other Girl Scouts to pursue their Gold Award, sharing how her passion for neurodiversity advocacy developed through her previous awards and experiences. She emphasized the importance of exploring interests and taking advantage of opportunities, as they can lead to impactful projects and personal growth.

    More About Piya:
    Piya Scielzo is an incoming freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Piya has been an active Girl Scout since 1st grade, and is now a lifetime member. She has earned her bronze, silver, and gold awards. To earn her Gold Award, Piya led a small team in several neurodiversity initiatives to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and reduce stigma. She also created and distributed a comprehensive toolkit with resources for students to replicate creating a safe space and hosting educational workshops in their communities across the country. Piya has served on the Girl Advisory Board for the Nation’s Capital for the past three years. Outside of Girl Scouts, Piya is the current Miss Montgomery County’s Teen, under the Miss America Organization. Piya uses her pageant platform, ‘Think Differently’, to share her neurodiversity advocacy with a wider audience.

    https://www.instagram.com/missmocosteenmd/


    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    Neurodiversity Advocacy: Piya's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on increasing education and awareness about neurodiversity, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals in educational settings.
    Community Engagement: Piya successfully engaged with her school's learning support team and neurodivergent students to create effective training workshops for teachers, demonstrating the value of collaboration and feedback in community projects.
    Empowerment through Leadership: Piya's involvement in both Girl Scouts and the Miss America Organization has allowed her to expand her advocacy work, showing how leadership opportunities can enhance personal growth and community impact.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    17 mins
  • Ep 147 Empowering Voices: Mikenna and the Silver Stories Podcast
    Oct 17 2024

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

    Mikenna shares how she created a platform to record and share the authentic stories of seniors in her community, which she then uploaded to YouTube and a dedicated website. She also made personalized booklets for each senior interviewed, ensuring they had a tangible copy of their story.

    Mikenna's journey began with her long-standing visits to a local nursing home, where she built meaningful relationships with the residents. Her project expanded beyond her initial nursing home to include another facility, capturing a diverse range of stories from a Holocaust survivor to a World War II veteran.

    Choosing podcasting as her medium, Mikenna found it to be a more comfortable and accessible format for the seniors, many of whom were hesitant about being on video. She emphasized the power of hearing someone's real voice and the deep connection it fosters.

    Throughout the project, Mikenna faced challenges such as understanding the technical aspects of podcasting and navigating legalities like consent forms. She also had to refine her Gold Award proposal multiple times to meet the requirements, learning valuable lessons about planning and execution.

    One of the most impactful stories she shared was about a Holocaust survivor, whose son helped recount her incredible acts of bravery and kindness. This experience, along with connecting with a young author who also worked with Holocaust survivors, highlighted the intergenerational impact of her project.

    Mikenna's dedication to her project didn't end with earning her Gold Award. She continues to interview seniors and has even developed an app concept to further her mission. Her story is a testament to the profound difference one can make through passion and perseverance.


    More About Mikenna:
    Mikenna has been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years, where she has enjoyed working with her troop and mentoring younger troops by sharing the knowledge she has gained as a Girl Scout. For her Gold Award, she created a podcast series to interview seniors, giving them a platform to share their stories and ensuring they are remembered. Beyond visiting the nursing home that inspired her project, Mikenna enjoys singing, learning sign language, reading, writing stories, and volunteering. Looking ahead, she plans to continue supporting Girl Scouts, likely as a troop leader, while helping others in college and beyond. Even though her Gold Award project has been completed, Mikenna hopes to continue interviewing seniors as part of her ongoing efforts.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIO25jjEvAoq3m26XWHF7JQ

    https://sites.google.com/view/silver-stories-40202?usp=sharing

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. The Importance of Storytelling: Mikenna emphasizes the value of sharing authentic stories from seniors in her community through her Silver Stories podcast. This project not only preserves their voices but also connects different generations, highlighting the significance of understanding and valuing the experiences of older individuals.

    2. Challenges and Growth in the Gold Award Process: Mikenna discusses the challenges she faced while navigating the Gold Award process, including the need for clear proposals and understanding the logistics of her project. She learned that thorough planning and adaptability are crucial for success, which ultimately helped her grow and refine her project.

    3. Impact Beyond the Award: Mikenna’s experience with the Gold Award has inspired her to continue her project beyond its completion. She has taken her initiative further by designing an app to facilitate the recording of seniors' stories, demonstrating that the Gold Award is not just about earning a badge but about making a lasting impact in the community.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    23 mins
  • Ep 146 Healing Through Toys: Sammie's Journey to Support Uvalde Survivors
    Oct 3 2024

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

    Sammie, a remarkable Girl Scout who shares her journey of earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. Sammie's project, Sammy's Toy Drive, was inspired by the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Initially starting as a simple toy drive, it evolved into a full-fledged nonprofit organization aimed at supporting survivors of gun violence through healing events and community building.
    Sammie detailed the emotional and logistical challenges she faced, including the initial rejection of her first project proposal and the intense grief associated with her work. Despite these hurdles, her dedication to honoring the 21 victims of the Uvalde shooting kept her motivated. She shared touching stories about the victims and their families, emphasizing the importance of remembering and supporting those affected by gun violence.
    We also discussed the operational aspects of Sammie's Toy Drive, including how donations are collected and the types of events organized. Sammie highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and taking breaks to avoid burnout during such emotionally taxing work.
    In addition to her Gold Award project, Sammie talked about her future plans, including attending trade school to become an esthetician, and her ongoing advocacy work. She also shared her experiences with other Girl Scout awards and her love for Twilight Camp.
    This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community and the importance of supporting survivors of gun violence. Sammie's story is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, showcasing her resilience and dedication to making a difference.

    More About Sammie:
    Sammie has been a member of Girl Scouts since the age of six and is now entering her final year this fall. During her time with Girl Scouts, she served as an OWL at Twilight Camp and earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Sammie graduated from high school a year early and will be attending trade school to become an Esthetician this fall. In addition to her studies, she is co-authoring a book with another activist, focusing on the victims of gun violence in schools.

    https://www.sammiestoydrive.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/sammiestoydrive?igsh=bXVxcDhuaXp6bmF2&utm_source=qr

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Community Healing Through Connection: Sammy's project, Sammy's Toy Drive, focuses on providing healing events for communities affected by gun violence, particularly in Uvalde. These events foster connections among families and children, helping them cope with their grief and build friendships.

    2. Empathy and Advocacy: Throughout her journey, Sammy emphasizes the importance of empathy when working with families affected by gun violence. She aims to honor the victims by sharing their stories and advocating for awareness around the long-lasting impact of such tragedies on communities.

    3. Resilience in Project Development: Sammy faced challenges, including the denial of her initial Gold Award project proposal. However, she demonstrated resilience by pivoting to the toy drive and emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and being patient with oneself during the project development process.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    28 mins
  • Creating Historic Lamont: Amelia's Gold Award Journey
    Sep 19 2024

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

    Amelia developed an app called Historic Lamont, a location-aware walking tour app that highlights the hidden historical gems of her hometown, Lamont, a suburb of Chicago.
    Inspired by a limited-availability walking tour from the Lamont Historical Society, Amelia wanted to make local history more accessible to everyone in her community.
    Amelia shared fascinating historical facts she uncovered, such as the local metro station witnessing President Lincoln's funeral train and being a site of the Lamont Massacre.
    She detailed the technical challenges she faced, including learning a new programming language and navigating Apple's stringent App Store approval process. Despite these hurdles, she successfully launched the app with the help of various community members, including the Lamont Historical Society, her history teacher, and students from her school's Historical Honor Society and Art Honor Society.
    Amelia also discussed the extensive community involvement in her project, estimating that over 1,000 hours were collectively invested. She emphasized the importance of starting early and being thorough in the Gold Award application process. Amelia's project not only made local history more accessible but also significantly boosted her confidence and skills, from writing professional emails to public speaking.
    Looking ahead, Amelia plans to attend the University of Chicago, majoring in computer science and possibly history or economics. She has already dabbled in AI and machine learning and hopes to integrate these fields with her historical interests. Amelia's story is a testament to the transformative power of the Girl Scout Gold Award, and she encourages other Girl Scouts to pursue their projects with dedication and passion.


    More About Amelia:
    Amelia Dunkin is a recent graduate of Lemont High School. She has been a dedicated member of the Girl Scouts for 12 years, progressing from Daisy to Ambassador. Throughout her involvement, she both attended and served as a counselor at her local Girl Scout summer camp. Amelia's Girl Scout journey culminated in earning her Gold Award through the development of an app called *Historic Lemont*, a location-aware iOS app designed to highlight the rich but often overlooked history of her town.

    In addition to her work with the Girl Scouts, Amelia was actively involved in various academic and extracurricular activities throughout high school. She participated in several honor societies, co-captained the Mathletes team, and played varsity on the Scholastic Bowl, Academic Challenge, and Bowling teams. She also volunteered with Special Olympics and the Northern Will County Special Recreation Association, where she is now employed.

    This fall, Amelia will attend the University of Chicago, where she plans to major in Computer Science and History. She aims to pursue interdisciplinary studies, particularly in the field of machine learning.


    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Community Involvement: Amelia's Girl Scout Gold Award project, the Historic Lamont app, was supported by various community members and organizations, including the Lamont Historical Society, local history teachers, and student groups, highlighting the importance of collaboration in community projects.
    2. Learning and Growth: The process of creating the app taught Amelia valuable skills, including coding in a new programming language and navigating the app submission process, which contributed to her personal development and confidence.

    3. Encouragement for Future Girl Scouts: Amelia emphasizes the transformative experience of pursuing the Gold Award, encouraging others to take on the challenge as it can significantly enhance their skills, self-perception, and community engagement.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    23 mins
  • Ep 144 Building United Communities: Camilla's Gold Award Project
    Sep 5 2024

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

    Camilla's project aims to build more united communities by educating people about different Asian cultures through workshops, YouTube vlogs, and a beautifully illustrated book.
    Camilla shared that her project was prompted by the rise in Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, which motivated her to use education as a tool to foster understanding and empathy. She detailed the three components of her project: interactive workshops at YMCA branches, vlogs exploring various Asian communities in Los Angeles, and her book, which she successfully fundraised $6,000 to publish and distribute.
    We discussed the challenges she faced, particularly in fundraising and public speaking, and how she overcame them by leveraging her network and stepping out of her comfort zone. Camilla also highlighted the importance of persistence and creating opportunities for oneself.
    One of the most heartwarming moments she shared was a memory from a school presentation where a young boy excitedly talked about his love for pho, showcasing the impact her project had on children.
    Camilla's story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in making a positive impact on the community.

    More About Camilla:
    Camilla Chan is an Asian American who has been in Girl Scouts for 13 years.
    Her favorite Girl Scout activities are those associated with the outdoors: hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, etc.
    Outside of Girl Scouts, Camilla enjoys playing the violin, playing table tennis and pickleball, and drawing. For her Gold Award project, Camilla hosted workshops, vlogged local Asian communities, and wrote a children’s book in order to educate others about Asian cultures and build more united communities.
    She aims to publish a second children’s book that follows a similar theme.
    As a prospective computer engineering major at UCLA, she hopes to protect individuals from cyber attacks and contribute to a world with safe AI regulations.
    Whether it is through Girl Scouts or college, Camilla aims to hold true to the Girl Scout motto “Make the World a Better Place.”


    Website: hiddenjewelsofasia.com
    Instagram: @hiddenjewelsofasia
    Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@chicken6215

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Camilla's Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Hidden Jewels of Asia," aimed to build more united communities through workshops, YouTube vlogs, and a published book.
    2. Camilla overcame challenges with funding and public speaking by finding passion in working with children and seeking support from her team, including her parents, teachers, friends, and community partners.
    3. Camilla's project had a global reach, with viewers from 21 states and 14 countries visiting her website, showcasing the impact and reach of her project.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    31 mins
  • Ep 143 - Solving Overcrowded Shelters: Neha's Gold Award Journey
    Aug 23 2024


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

    Neha's project, centered around dogs and the issue of overcrowded shelters, led her to create a nonprofit called Pawprints. The nonprofit focuses on raising awareness about the importance of microchipping and GPS tracking collars to prevent dogs from getting lost and ending up in shelters.
    Neha shared her personal connection to the project, including her experience rescuing her dog Aggie, who was saved from euthanasia at an overcrowded shelter. She discussed the educational materials she created, which include information on properly registering microchips and options for GPS tracking collars.
    One of the biggest challenges Neha faced was her fear of public speaking, which she overcame by preparing thoroughly and diving into the experience. She credited her mom, project advisor Kelly Carey, and council advisor Marty Hall for their support throughout the project.
    Neha also reflected on her growth through the project, particularly in public speaking and time management, as she balanced her project with school and other activities. She encouraged future Girl Scouts to pursue their Gold Award despite the challenges, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the process.
    Neha shared her future plans, including her goal to become a dentist, and her hopes for the continuation of her nonprofit. We wrapped up with a fun question about how she makes her s'mores, revealing her preference for slightly burnt marshmallows.

    More About Neha:
    After adopting her senior dog from a shelter, Neha understood the severity of overcrowding in animal shelters. While most people focus on pet adoption as a solution to overcrowding, she wanted to address the problem of people losing their pets, which often end up in shelters until they are found. Neha identified microchips and GPS collars as an easy but underutilized solution for lost pets. She spoke at shelters and created pamphlets, social media accounts, and a website to share information on GPS collars and encourage pet owners to purchase one for their pets.

    Neha has been in Girl Scouts since she was a Daisy in Kindergarten and plans to continue until she graduates from high school this upcoming school year. Through school, she is involved in the speech and debate team as well as the varsity bowling team. Outside of school, Neha enjoys participating in Krav Maga and playing the piano. After she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in dentistry.

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Addressing Root Causes: Neha's Gold Award project focused on addressing the root causes of overcrowded shelters by promoting the use of microchips and GPS tracking collars to prevent dogs from getting lost and ending up in shelters.
    2. Personal Connection: Neha's personal connection to the project stemmed from her love for dogs, particularly her own rescue dog, Aggie, who was saved from being euthanized at an overcrowded shelter.

    3. Overcoming Challenges: Neha faced and overcame her fear of public speaking through her project, which ultimately helped her grow and become more confident in speaking engagements.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    10 mins
  • Ep 142 Championing Bird Conservation: Adoriam's Gold Award Journey
    Aug 8 2024

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


    Adoriam, a passionate Girl Scout, shares her inspiring journey of earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. Adoriam’s project focused on addressing the declining bird population in Houston, a city that ranks as the second worst in America for migratory birds. Through her project, she aimed to educate the community about the importance of being bird-friendly by conducting workshops, creating videos, and providing resources.
    Adoriam’s interest in conservation was sparked by her involvement in the Glenn Miller Agriculture Program, where she connected with professionals in the field. This led her to collaborate with various organizations such as the YMCA, Houston Audubon, and the Nature Heritage Society. She conducted workshops teaching people how to make bird feeders and birdhouses from recycled materials and emphasized the importance of turning off lights at night to protect migratory birds.
    Throughout the episode, Adoriam shares the challenges she faced, including meeting deadlines and managing large events, and how these experiences helped her grow in networking and leadership skills. She also highlights the support she received from her family, mentors, and community, which was crucial to her success.
    Adoriam’s passion for conservation and her dedication to her project have not only earned her the Gold Award but also inspired many others in her community. She offers valuable advice to other Girl Scouts considering the Gold Award, encouraging them to pursue their passions and make a difference.
    We also get a glimpse into Adoriam's other Girl Scout experiences, including a memorable Costa Rica trip fundraiser and her love for camping and outdoor activities. She concludes with a fun and detailed description of how she makes the perfect s'more.

    More About:
    Through Adoriam's 13-year Girl Scout journey, she has had some amazing experiences. From volunteering at events in Houston to earning her Gold Award, where she learned the power of service and dedication. Creating a virtual walkathon and Halloween carousel fundraiser for her Costa Rica trip taught her leadership skills and communication. Besides Girl Scouts, Adoriam has been a part of school clubs like BPA, Speech and Debate, and Student Council. After graduating high school, she now attends Texas A&M University as part of the class of 2027, studying Bioenvironmental Science.

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoriam_dewalt?igsh=MW1pNmoxcnBkdzh6Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

    Articles:
    https://houstonaudublog.org/2023/01/30/diy-water-feature-with-drip/
    https://houstonaudublog.org/2023/01/17/diy-bird-feeder/
    https://aframnews.com/two-girls-educate-community-on-agriculture/


    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adoriam-dewalt-7aa21b26b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_con

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Dorian's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on addressing the decreasing bird population in Houston due to urbanization and industrialization.

    2. Dorian connected with various organizations and partners, such as the YMCA, Glenn Miller Foundation, Houston Audubon, and Nature Heritage Society, to educate communities about bird conservation.

    3. Dorian's experience with the Girl Scouts, including fundraising for a Costa Rica trip, organizing virtual events during COVID, and participating in camping and outdoor activities, has shaped her passion for sustainability and conservation.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    34 mins
  • Ep 141 Revamping Animal Shelter Trails: Savannah's Gold Award Journey
    Jul 25 2024

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


    Savannah, a dedicated Girl Scout who shared her journey of earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award.
    Savannah's project focused on improving the trails at her local animal shelter. She identified the need for better-marked trails to help volunteers and visitors navigate the area more easily. Her project involved cleaning up existing trails, adding new ones, naming them, and creating a detailed map with mileage information. She also developed a pamphlet for new volunteers to help them understand the shelter's rules and how they can contribute.
    One of the unique aspects of Savannah's project was the creation of color-coded signs for the trails. Despite some challenges with the durability of the materials, she learned valuable lessons about project management and material selection. Savannah's dedication to her project, even while juggling a busy high school schedule, is truly commendable.
    Savannah also shared her experiences with time management, the importance of teamwork, and the support she received from her family, friends, and fellow scouts. She emphasized the significance of the global link in the Gold Award process, connecting her project to broader issues like volunteerism and health.
    In addition to her Gold Award project, Savannah continues to support her Girl Scout troop, helping younger members with their own awards and serving as a role model. She is currently a sophomore at Austin Peay State University, studying engineering technology with a concentration in mechatronics, and is actively involved in various roles on campus.
    Savannah's story is a testament to the impact of the Girl Scout Gold Award and the importance of perseverance, planning, and community support.


    More About Savannah:
    Savannah has been a Girl Scout since she was in the second grade. Her mom became her troop leader when she was a first-year junior. Savannah earned her Silver Award in 2019. She is the first Girl Scout from her service unit to earn her Gold Award in 11 years and is the fourth Girl Scout to age out from her service unit within the same amount of time. As a senior in high school, she was part of many clubs but still found time to complete her Gold Award and lead the Girl Scout Seniors in earning badges. During the fall of 2023, she was a leader to the Brownies. Now, Savannah is mentoring the different age groups through their courses of earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. When she had her last badge ceremony as a Girl Scout, her troop surprised her with a lifetime membership. This summer, Savannah is working as a nature counselor at Camp Sycamore Hills. She is attending Austin Peay State University and pursuing her bachelor's degree in engineering technology with a concentration in Mechatronics. At the university, she is also a writing tutor and a lab assistant for the engineering technology department.

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. Importance of Time Management: Savannah highlighted the challenge of time management during her Gold Award project, especially while juggling multiple responsibilities in high school. She emphasized the need to write everything down to keep track of hours and tasks effectively.
    2. Teamwork and Collaboration: Savannah's project involved a team effort, including volunteers, family, friends, and even Boy Scouts. The collaboration and support from her team members were crucial in successfully completing the project.
    3. Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: Despite facing challenges with the signage for the trails, Savannah remained resilient and open to feedback. She iterated on the design based on input from the animal shelter, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation in her project.


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    Editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

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    14 mins