Hearts Of Gold - Reflections from Gold Award Girl Scouts

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

Leila shares the story behind her Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Growing As You Grow Older," which centered around providing social interaction and increased mobility for elderly individuals in her community. Motivated by her grandmother's isolation during the COVID pandemic, Leila organized bi-weekly gardening meetings where participants engaged in hands-on activities such as pressed flower crafts and ornament decoration. With volunteers' help, Leila spread awareness through interviews, meetings, and an Instagram page. She also reflects on the challenges faced during the project, such as adapting to COVID restrictions and ensuring the project met the criteria for the Gold Award.

More from Leila:

I am a rising senior at Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad, California. Since completing my Gold Award I have had the opportunity to spread my journey to podcasts, and am an upcoming speaker at San Diego Girl Scouts Gold Award Conference. I am involved in school clubs such as Key Club, National Honors Society, and Biomedical Club. In addition, I enjoy giving back to my community alongside my mother-daughter philanthropic group, NCL, as I achieved 400+ community service hours. Currently, I spend my time dual enrolled at a local community college to outsource unavailable classes at my school while maintaining my bakery job. I plan to study public health, pre-medicine, or biomedical engineering in college.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/growingasyourgrowolder

Key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ The Power of Personal Experience: Leila's deep connection to the medical field stems from her own experiences with medical issues. Having been through countless hospital visits and procedures, she has developed a strong passion for making a positive impact in this field. Her personal journey has fueled her desire to help others and create change.

2️⃣ The Importance of Support: Leila emphasizes the significance of having a strong support group during challenging times. She acknowledges that pursuing a project like the Girl Scout Gold Award requires dedication and hard work. However, with the right support system, the effort pays off, and the impact on the community and individuals involved is immeasurable.

3️⃣ Overcoming Obstacles: Leila's project took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unique challenges. Despite the lockdowns and restrictions, she found innovative ways to engage with the seniors she was helping. Through remote meetings and providing activity kits, she encouraged them to stay active and involved, even from the comfort of their own beds. Her determination and adaptability in the face of adversity are truly inspiring.

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

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

Mirika's project aimed to promote literacy and engage youth with reading and literature. She organized workshops, conducted book drives, interviewed authors, and even started a podcast to share her love for reading. Despite facing challenges due to the pandemic, Mirika adapted her project to a digital format and expanded it globally, forming chapters in different countries. She also created a database of books and provided personalized book recommendations to children. Mirika reflects on her Girl Scout journey, highlighting the personal growth and leadership skills she gained. She encourages other Girl Scouts to take on the Gold Award challenge and emphasizes the flexibility and impact it can have.

More from Mirika:

For over a decade, my journey as a Girl Scout has woven a tapestry of leadership, service, and personal growth as I've worked toward earning my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Girl Scout awards. Being able to give back to my community through Girl Scouts has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and the program has instilled in me a lifelong commitment to service.

In high school, I actively engaged in community service initiatives through volunteering with different nonprofits. I was also highly involved with my school's newspaper and publications, varsity swim team, and various research labs.

I plan to continue my academic journey at Harvard University, where I intend to concentrate in Molecular Biology and Government. I hope to pursue a career at the intersection of scientific advancement and societal well-being. I am looking forward to broadening my horizons and expanding my Gold Award project to reach youth in Cambridge through partnering with local organizations.

My journey with Girl Scouts has been fulfilling and inspiring, and I am excited to see where my future endeavors take me as I continue to grow and develop as a leader and changemaker.

https://www.bookorators.org/

@bookorators on Instagram and Linkedin

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Mirika's Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Book Raiders, aimed to engage youth with reading and literature. She hosted workshops, conducted book drives, interviewed authors, and even started a podcast to share her love for reading with others.

2. Mirika's inspiration for her project came from her own love for reading and her observation of how technology and STEM education have taken precedence over reading in children's lives. She wanted to reconnect younger children with books and emphasize the importance of reading for communication skills.

3. Mirika faced challenges during her project, especially when the pandemic hit and she had to shift everything to a digital format. However, she overcame these challenges by creating a website, reaching out to like-minded individuals globally, and expanding Book Raiders into a global organization with chapters in different countries. She also learned that the Gold Award process is flexible and allows Girl Scouts to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

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

Amira created a three-day program to inspire youth to get involved in civic engagement and political campaigns, regardless of their political party. Amira discusses her inspiration for the project, including her experience working with older individuals in the political landscape at a young age. She also shares a life-altering event that motivated her to pave a better path for others interested in joining campaigns. Despite not being old enough to vote, Amira remains actively involved in campaigns. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of youth empowerment and activism.

More from Amira:

Amira Ismail is a 17-year-old Egyptian-Palestinian teen organizer and youth leader in her community of Woodside and Astoria Queens in New York City. There, she leads the Muslim Girl Scouts of Astoria, composed of Arab youth aged 5 to 18. Working with MGSA, she has become an advocate for Girl Scouts at the council and national level, speaking at events, unveiling programs, frequently participating, and leading in virtual programming for the organization. As an intern for GSGNY, Amira created new badge guides to be used across the nation, advocated for creating Arab Heritage Month programming for the Girl Scouts events calendar, and designed the program.

In the fall of 2021, she was a Muslim Community Network youth fellow where she discovered the value of civic education and developed the ability to comprehend a variety of perspectives on critical current events confidently. She also is a Malikah youth fellow where she creates programming for North African youth promoting leadership in young people through lessons in financial literacy, community organization, and political activism.

Most recently, Amira has embarked on creating her program, launching earlier this year, titled Make U Listen. There, she continues her passion for civic engagement at the youth level, educating young people on how to get involved in the political process despite barriers of age, gender, and ethnicity. In speaking of the hardships she has faced in reaching her position of prominence and influence in her community, she hopes to inspire young people to advocate for their passions.

Key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Passion and Commitment: Amira's Gold Award project took three years to complete, and she faced challenges. However, she never gave up and stayed committed to her goal. It's a reminder that when we are passionate about something, we must trust our intuition and persevere, even when faced with obstacles.

2️⃣ Empowering Youth: Amira's project aimed to inspire and engage young people in civic engagement and political campaigns, regardless of their political party. She recognized the importance of giving youth a voice and creating opportunities for them to make a difference. It's a powerful reminder that young voices matter and can significantly impact shaping our communities.

3️⃣ Building Community: Amira's involvement in her council and various Girl Scout activities showcased the power of community. From creating a Girl Advisory Board to organizing events and programs, she actively worked towards bringing people together and creating a supportive network. It's a reminder that we can achieve more when we collaborate and support one another.

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

Callie shares her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which focuses on addressing the issue of food deserts in her town. She talks about her long-standing connection with the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum and how she proposed the idea of creating a garden there to combat the lack of access to healthy foods. Inspired by World War II victory gardens, Callie's project aims to provide a sustainable solution for her community.

More from Callie:

My name is Callie Majors and I am from Pendleton, South Carolina. My Girl Scout journey started when I was five years old at the Daisy level. Throughout my time in Girl Scouts, I have participated in many summer camps, community service activities, Girl Scout Trail Blazers, destinations, and earned my Bronze, Sliver, and Gold Award. Growing up, I was also a part of Cross Country, Track and Field, Symphonic Band, The American Legion, Girls State, Beta Club, and National Honors Society. I am currently at the United States Military Academy beginning my second year. After graduation, I will commission into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and my goal is to become an Aviation Officer. After 20 years in the Army, I plan to retire and begin my career as a Park Ranger for the National Forest Service. I would like to mention, however, the activity where I developed the most communication, confidence, planning, leadership, character, mental fortitude, and public speaking skills was in Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts is the biggest contributor to my success that I am experiencing today and I will be forever grateful.

🌟 Excited to share my key takeaways from the Hearts of Gold podcast episode! 🎙️

1️⃣ Addressing food deserts: Callie's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on creating a garden to combat the issue of limited access to healthy food in her community.

2️⃣ Importance of communication: Callie learned the value of effective communication in project planning and execution, emphasizing the need to convey ideas and expectations clearly.

3️⃣ Making a difference during COVID-19: Despite the challenges, the pandemic actually helped Callie's project gain more attention and support, as people became more interested in gardening and food sustainability.

4️⃣ Leadership recognition: Callie's Gold Award played a significant role in her acceptance to the United States Military Academy, highlighting the impact and value of this prestigious achievement.

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

Isabel shares her Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on raising awareness about breast cancer in men. Isabel's journey began when her grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer, which shocked her family as they were unaware that men could also be affected. Isabel delves into the statistics, highlighting that 1% of cancer diagnoses are in men, which equates to thousands of lives. She emphasizes the importance of including men in breast cancer awareness campaigns, as they are often diagnosed at a later stage and may feel ashamed or overlooked. Isabel's goal is to tackle the lack of education and support for male breast cancer patients and their families, ensuring that everyone is included in this important cause.

More from Isabel:

I am part of the Caribe Girl Scouts Council. I started as a Daisy and continued till I graduated as an Ambassador. I loved going on nature adventures with my troop. As a Senior and Ambassador, I was a Staff at GS Camp, and it was the most fun experience. I was the girl who would scream the loudest of all GS songs.

During 2020 and 2021, I interned with Girl Scouts USA as part of the G-TEAM. We were 25 girls from the US, Italy, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Initially, we were supposed to plan the National Girl Scout Convention, but the pandemic hit, and plans changed. We became an advisory team for GSUSA strategy and operations. One of my most significant projects was being a producer and host of the first GS talk show, G-TEAM TV, where we discussed many topics around health and sustainability and brought guest speakers. G-TEAM TV has 10 episodes that are all on YouTube.

Then, in 2021 I was 1 of 6 girls chosen to interview Michelle Obama for the launch of the badge "Becoming Me." It was a breathtaking and remarkable experience. As a GS, I got to grow professionally and truly feel GS's impact on an ambitious girl.

It all started in 2019 when my grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was shocked, ashamed, and confused about how a man could get breast cancer. At this moment, my Girl Scouts mindset wanted to take action and save lives by creating awareness.

Statistics say 1% of breast cancer diagnoses are in men. It may sound small... but that 1% equals thousands of lives! I noticed most breast cancer campaigns are directed to only women. Men often detect breast cancer at later stages. So, my project, "The One Percent: A Human Race Breast Cancer Awareness," began. I managed social media pages, interviewed breast cancer survivors, gave educational talks, and collaborated with well-known breast cancer organizations.

As part of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on January 2021, I proposed the idea to declare the second Friday of October of every year as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Puerto Rico. After lobbying at the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor of Puerto Rico, it got signed as Law 50-2021. This raises the voice for male breast cancer awareness to reach the early detection and support needed.

On my social media pages, I introduced an international perspective with an interview of male breast cancer survivor Marius Soler from Spain and a national view with the interview with male survivor José Cockran. It helped me understand and share the pattern of lack of education and support. Mr. Soler told me about his journey from having trouble finding information about breast cancer in men when diagnosed and how he feels excluded from support communities. Mr. Cockran hit my heart hard when he told me his dad stopped talking to him for seven years because he thought his son wasn't "manly" enough after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

I continue raising awareness that men get breast cancer because we never know whose life we can change with this information. You never know it can be a relative, dad, brother, uncle, or neighbor. A cancer diagnosis is hard; detecting it late because you didn't think you could get breast cancer, not finding a community you can relate with, or being isolated because others give in to stereotypes will make it even harder.

Getting the message out there is the goal of my project. More educational efforts and more awareness being created will bring early detection, save lives, and support for patients and families, which is so much needed. The organizations I collaborated with, Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Association, and Puerto Rican League Against Cancer, have committed to continue spreading my message.

I want to add that my grandfather beat stage 2 breast cancer. Now, in 2023, he's in remission. I am grateful.

Now, I am so grateful and honored to have been selected for the 2023 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship!

My Gold Award has had a tremendous impact on me. I've learned so many new skills and discovered qualities in myself that will help me in my future goals.

I now study at The Ohio State University, double majoring in communications and environmental policy. I aspire to be an advocate for environmental and social issues.

Instagram: @theonepercent_breastcancer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOnePercentHumanRaceBreastCancerAwareness/

Here are some key takeaways from Isabel's project:

1️⃣ Male Breast Cancer Awareness: Isabel's project highlights the often overlooked fact that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. By sharing her grandfather's story and interviewing other male breast cancer survivors, Isabel aims to break the stigma and raise awareness about this important issue.

2️⃣ Lack of Education and Support: Isabel discovered that there is a lack of education and support for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Many campaigns and resources are directed solely towards women, leaving men feeling isolated and ashamed. Isabel's project aims to change this by providing a platform for men to share their experiences and promoting the importance of regular check-ups for everyone, regardless of gender.

3️⃣ Advocacy and Legislation: Isabel's dedication to her cause led her to successfully advocate for the declaration of the second Friday of October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Puerto Rico. This achievement, known as Law 15 2021, aims to raise awareness and provide support for male breast cancer patients.

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Support future Hearts of Gold episodes at https://www.patreon.com/heartsofgold

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

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

In this episode of Hearts of Gold, we hear from Himani, who shares her Girl Scout Gold Award project called "Project Save the Girl Child." Himani's project aims to raise awareness about the issue of female gendercide, which is the preference for a male child over a female child in patriarchal societies. She educates people about the consequences of this issue through gendercide awareness seminars and distributing brochures in India. Himani also partners with an organization called the Invisible Girl Project to rescue girls who are at high risk of being victims of female gendercide in India. Tune in to learn more about this important project and its impact.

More about Himani:

Himani Kalra is a Gold Award Girl Scout from Atlanta. Her project "Save the Girl Child" worked to raise awareness of female gendercide and promote gender equality through education and healthcare for underprivileged girls in Georgia and India. Himani partnered with over 40 global organizations to promote girl empowerment and is the Youth Brand Ambassador for the Invisible Girl Project working to end gendercide in India. She designed a science curriculum to empower refugee girls in Clarkston for future STEM careers, and has fundraised enough to set up five village schools with the Ekal Foundation and donated 36,000 books and educational supplies for girls in the Delhi slum districts. Himani was a Girl Scout Council Young Woman of Distinction and National Gold Award Scholarship recipient. She has been recognized as a Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist, an honoree of the George W Bush Point of Light Awards, and is a two-time recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Outside of Girl Scouts, Himani is a nationally ranked fencer, Kathak classical dancer, bassoon player, and avid travel enthusiast.

Links:

Website: https://www.savethegirlchild.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Save-The-Girl-Child/100064826106012/

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Take Charge of Your Passion: Himani's project, Project Save the Girl Child, was inspired by her personal experiences and passion for addressing the issue of female gender side. Her advice to other Girl Scouts is to identify a cause or passion they are interested in and see how far they can take it. The Gold Award provides a platform to make a difference and learn valuable skills along the way.

2. Overcoming Challenges: Himani faced challenges in tackling a culturally and politically sensitive topic as a high school student. She had to educate people about an issue that many were unaware of or reluctant to discuss. However, she persevered and found ways to raise awareness and make connections with organizations and individuals who could support her cause.

3. The Power of Connection: Himani's experience at Camp CEO taught her the importance of finding connections with others, regardless of age or professional background. She realized that meaningful conversations and relationships can be formed in unexpected places, and these connections can lead to new opportunities and growth.

4. Empowering Girls through Education: Himani's project aimed to empower girls through education and healthcare, challenging the mindset that devalues girls in certain societies. By providing girls with equal access to education and healthcare, their potential can be recognized and society can be transformed. This takeaway highlights the importance of investing in girls' education and breaking down gender barriers to create a more equitable future.

5. The issue of female gendercide is a serious problem in many Asian countries, where there is a preference for male children over female children. Himani's project, "Project Save the Girl Child," aims to raise awareness about this issue and its consequences on societies and populations.

6. Himani's project was inspired by personal experiences, including being the second daughter in an Asian household and witnessing gender inequalities during her visits to India. She also drew inspiration from her grandmother, who was a doctor and emphasized the importance of education and support for her daughters. Himani's project has continued to grow even after her Gold Award project, and she plans to expand it further in New York City.

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Support future Hearts of Gold episodes at https://www.patreon.com/heartsofgold

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

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

In this episode of Hearts of Gold, Janae-Rose shares her Girl Scout Gold Award project called Youth Connect Charlotte. She addresses the issue of segregation in her home city and the lack of interaction between youth from different backgrounds. Janae-Rose's project involves partnering with Transforming Youth Movement to connect participants with students from other areas of Charlotte, allowing them to discuss the issues they see in the city and build connections. Through this initiative, Janae-Rose aims to promote positive change and bridge the divide in her community.

More about Janae-Rose:

Janae-Rose Fageyinbo is a born-and-raised Charlottean who is proud of her immigrant roots! In fact, her efforts to give back to any community she is a part of comes from her value for collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Currently, she is a rising sophomore at Yale University and still participates in Girl Scouts as a leader at the local Boys and Girls Club. Janae-Rose has a few different career ideas up from going into academia, teaching, or working in healthcare and she's excited about all the opportunities ahead of her. As a Girl Scout since 1st grade, Janae-Rose has definitely benefited from being exposed to a variety of fields and opportunities since elementary school.In her free time, Janae-Rose enjoys reading, baking, and hanging out with friends.

Links:

https://youthconnectclt.wixsite.com/website

https://www.instagram.com/youthconnectclt/

Key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Building Bridges: My Gold Award project, Youth Connect Charlotte, aimed to bridge the gap between different communities in my city. By bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, we were able to foster understanding, break down barriers, and create a sense of unity. It reminded me of the power of everyday conversations in driving positive change.

2️⃣ Finding the Right Partners: One of the challenges I faced was finding the right community partner for my project. I discovered Transforming Youth Movement, an organization already working with court-referred students. Their goals aligned perfectly with mine, and their support was instrumental in the success of the project. It taught me the importance of finding partners who share your vision and are eager to help you execute it.

3️⃣ Embracing Iteration: Throughout the project, I learned the value of flexibility and iteration. I initially started with a book club, but quickly realized it wasn't engaging for everyone. So, I adapted and transformed it into a conversation club, which sparked more meaningful discussions. It reminded me that being open to feedback and making adjustments is crucial for creating a program that truly resonates with participants.

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With the upcoming new Girl Scout year and new Silver Award requirements, I thought I would share an episode I recorded with Sarah Heeter for her podcast 'Troop Leader Experience' last spring.

Girl Scout Councils are rolling out this updated information. Check your council's website for updates and GSLearn for trainings for your Girl Scouts (and you).

We also recorded an episode about the Highest Awards, especially the Gold Award!

https://pod.link/1439828810/episode/824ccd0587f406f4ad6855d0f3074e76

Check out that episode and other great information regarding troop leadership at Troop Leader Experience wherever you listen to audio. https://pod.link/1439828810

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

In this episode of Hearts of Gold, we hear from Jaansi, a 15-year-old Girl Scout and proud Gold Award winner. Jaansi shares her project, Project Neurify, which aims to make AI education accessible to all. She fundraised through a workshop and used the money to build a website with a free video curriculum and curated resources. Despite starting her project before ChatGPT became popular, Jaansi's timely focus on AI education is commendable. Tune in to learn more about her inspiring journey.

More about Jaansi:

Jaansi is a Girl Scout from New Jersey attending Phillips Exeter Academy. She has been a Girl Scout for nearly a decade, beginning her journey as a Daisy in kindergarten. Her Gold Award initiative, Project Neurify, is a free online curriculum with helpful videos and curated resource lists that provide a platform for computer science and artificial intelligence education to be available for anyone and everyone. Jaansi has also completed her Bronze and Silver Awards. She is passionate about making mental health and computer science education more accessible, especially for marginalized communities. Outside of Girl Scouts, Jaansi runs a podcast of her own, LearnOn Podcast.

Links:

https://www.projectneurify.org/

https://pod.link/1526489066

1. Jaansi's Gold Award project, Project Neurify, aimed to make computer science and artificial intelligence education accessible to all. She fundraised through a workshop and used the funds to build a website with a free video curriculum and curated resources.

2. Her fascination inspired Jaansi's project with artificial intelligence in medicine and her awareness of the lack of accessibility and representation in higher computer science education. She wanted to provide a more comprehensive and accessible teaching curriculum for those who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged.

3. Jaansi faced challenges in running her project virtually and had to find ways to establish a human connection with her team of volunteers. She used communication platforms like Discord and organization tools like Notion to keep everyone connected and accountable. Documenting everything was also crucial for her final report and for cherishing the journey of her project.

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

On this episode of Hearts of Gold, Anna talks about her Girl Scout Gold Award project called "Step to Specs". Anna noticed that she had a lot of unused glasses frames in her room and realized that other people in her town might be in the same predicament. She started collecting donated glasses and passed them on to people who couldn't afford them. After amassing around 4,000 pairs of glasses, Anna partnered with the LAC USC hospital and created an online database to distribute the glasses to patients in need. Tune in to learn more about Anna's inspiring project.

More about Anna:

Anna has worn glasses since five years old, which has fueled her passion of helping others with impaired vision. She created "Step to Specs" to distribute free donated glasses to Los Angeles residents in need. To do so, she collected over 4,000 pairs of glasses from her community, measured the prescription of each pair with a lensmeter, built an online database to catalog them, and established a free glasses program at the Los Angeles County+USC Hospital. With the help of USC ophthalmologists and medical students, she gave out over 1,000 pairs of glasses to patients at Los Angeles County Hospital, where many are uninsured and can't afford to pay for glasses out of pocket. Through this program, many patients have regained the ability to read, walk, and drive again. She published a peer reviewed research paper about the impact of the program on the LA patient population. Lastly, Step to Specs is a service learning partner of the Keck School of Medicine.

Anna is a senior at La Canada High School. She is the president of the National Honors Society, Healthcare Professionals Club, and Origami Club, and is her district's student representative on the school board. She is also a laboratory assistant at the Keck School of Medicine and a hospital volunteer. After working closely with patients during her project, she aspires to be a doctor.

Links:

https://steptospecs.com

Research paper: https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i2.3344

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Anna's research paper on glasses distribution: Anna discusses her research paper on glasses distribution and the unique search function she developed for prescription glasses. The paper is available online for other hospitals to implement a similar program. This research paper has been beneficial for Anna's resume and college applications, showcasing her passion for research and ability to overcome writing hurdles.

2. Connecting people through glasses donation: Anna plans to go to medical school and wants to take on a more active role in patient care. She has been volunteering in hospitals and working with patients to gain experience. Anna's project of collecting donated glasses from her small town and distributing them to people in need in Los Angeles has connected people and revived stories. She feels privileged to be able to help people and breathe new life into the glasses.

3. Collaboration and data privacy in a community project: Anna discusses her experience working with nurses, doctors, and patients in a community project. She emphasizes the importance of building connections with nurses to gain access to doctors and being cautious about HIPAA laws when collecting data. The project involved collaboration with various individuals and organizations, including a project advisor, community organizations, ophthalmology residents, medical students, and USC undergrad students.

Note: This episode highlights Anna's journey in distributing glasses to those in need, the challenges she faced, and the impact of her volunteer work. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and support in achieving goals.

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