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My favorite experience in earning the Gold Medal was gaining the understanding of being a leader. Throughout this journey, I was able to advance my organization, planning, time management, and team-building skills. The Congressional Award program has taught me the value of setting high expectations for myself. Through my volunteering experiences and my non-profit organization, I have furthered my commitment to live a purposeful life by serving those in need, and inspiring others to do the same.

My journey was not defined by achieving my goals, but in the smaller moments. My favorite memories are of interactions: with visitors to my local hospital, who reminded me the importance of hope; discussions with my first through fourth grade campers, who challenged me to view the world through a simpler, more positive lens; and communications with my many mentors, validators, and advisor, who consistently imparted their wisdom and reminded me that everyone has the power to change the world.

The Congressional Award has given me opportunities to strengthen my body, mind, and spirit in the pursuit of Gold. From the bludgeoning marathon to the calming cello, I am forever grateful to have been able to take part in such a humbling experience. As I take the next step of my academic journey, I will never forget the smiles of my community. Serving in the greatest capacity, there truly is no better feeling in the world than seeing children smile with a new glimmer of hope in their eyes.

My Congressional Award Gold Medal journey showed me that I have the capability to set bold, audacious goals and with determination, that I can achieve them!

My most memorable experience in earning the Gold Medal was when I had to muster up my courage, push myself out of my comfort zone, and communicate with friends I never knew especially at the senior home and summer camps. When I started my journey, I thought I was all by myself, starting something new, however I realized everywhere I went there was always a kind person there to help me.

I have learned how to set personal goals and achieve them with excellence. I realized my passion for programming and through my voluntary public service, I was able to use this to inspire others in STEM. On my exploration, I learned how to improvise when plans didn’t go the way I expected them to and still have a positive experience.

My favorite experience earning my Gold Medal was the friends I made along the way and how I discovered more about myself along with a different environment during my expedition to Montana. Volunteering with my twin brother was great and I’m so glad this program exists and honors people who become well-rounded individuals.

It's tough to choose a favorite or most memorable experience in earning the Gold Medal, because to me, they were all very important to building who I am. However, if I had to pick, volunteering to help my peers was some of the most rewarding experiences in my life.

Setting this goal as a freshman in high school ensured that I has a holistic approach to my development. It enabled me to grow individually, within my community and globally. I am very thankful for this opportunity and recognition.

It is far too hard to single-out a favorite moment; the best experience and most worthy part of this are the people that I have met and been able to help through the Congressional Award. All of the work, time, effort, and energy put into behind-the-scenes organizing, planning, and executing is all made worth-while when you get to witness the fruition through the people you help benefit.

Earning my Congressional Award was definitely a process. It was my first long term project and it completely changed me as a person. The expedition showed me to be grateful, personal development made me improve on skills I acquired, physical fitness showed me how important it is to be fit, and volunteering gave me joy since I volunteered my whole life. I am so thankful for this experience and I am going to tell everyone I know about this project.