On Perseverance
I've definitely learned about perseverance.
In thinking about a potential Gold Award project, I brainstormed about various issues to which I felt a connection. The environment popped up early, because I have always been passionate about it. I also thought about the Bald Head Island Conservancy, because I worked with them for my Silver Award in 2016. The Gold Award is more complex, though, and my being several hours away also presented challenges.
But I decided to go for it. When I studied the Conservancy's website to see how I might be able to help, I saw that their classes did an excellent job of teaching the island's visitors about the various habitats on the island. But I also noticed there seemed to be an opening for a class that taught visitors how they could be more conservation-minded once they leave the island and have returned to their homes on the mainland. That's when it clicked and the Crafty Conservationists class was born.
The road to this point was long. It started in 2017, and along the way there have been countless emails and phone calls, tons of planning and creating, and a lot brainstorming and organizing. But I feel so rewarded for these efforts.
That's how perseverance is, especially when it comes to the environment. You often notice some small results right away, but over time the results become incredible. The important thing is sticking with it.
On Achieving A Dream
This class has been in the works for two years now, and it was hard to believe when the day for me to teach finally came.
It was also hard to believe that I was much more nervous about the class than I ever expected. I wasn't stressed about standing in front of other people at the Conservancy and teaching them, because I don’t have issues with public speaking. And I'd been preparing for the class for such a long time. It was something else.
I was nervous about how the class would be received and how people would react. What would happen if they were uninterested in the lesson and bored by the activity? I worried that I might have to redo my whole class. I also feared that I might be wasting people's time.
Thankfully, all these fears disappeared as soon as I began the class. People were engaged. They were asking thoughtful questions, and they were responding to questions that I asked of them. They were invested in the activity. They worked with each other to create a good wind chime. They were laughing and having fun.
Why was I even worried?
Everyone talks about how good it feels to achieve your dreams, and they’re right. What is often forgotten, though, is the fear that comes when taking that final step, when you cross from practice and preparation into the unknown. You cannot know how it will turn out, but you must take the step forward.
I promise you, it is worth it.
It was also hard to believe that I was much more nervous about the class than I ever expected. I wasn't stressed about standing in front of other people at the Conservancy and teaching them, because I don’t have issues with public speaking. And I'd been preparing for the class for such a long time. It was something else.
I was nervous about how the class would be received and how people would react. What would happen if they were uninterested in the lesson and bored by the activity? I worried that I might have to redo my whole class. I also feared that I might be wasting people's time.
Thankfully, all these fears disappeared as soon as I began the class. People were engaged. They were asking thoughtful questions, and they were responding to questions that I asked of them. They were invested in the activity. They worked with each other to create a good wind chime. They were laughing and having fun.
Why was I even worried?
Everyone talks about how good it feels to achieve your dreams, and they’re right. What is often forgotten, though, is the fear that comes when taking that final step, when you cross from practice and preparation into the unknown. You cannot know how it will turn out, but you must take the step forward.
I promise you, it is worth it.
On Wrapping Things Up With A Pretty Bow
I ran my second class at the Conservancy, and I am amazed at how at ease I was. I had fallen into a nice rhythm, and far gone were any doubts that I'd had before the first class. I was even able to help more people with the activity. When I watched one little girl who was determined to make her wind chime the best it could be, it made everything worth it.
It has been a month now since that second class. I am now working on my Gold Report, and one of the questions is: “What was the most successful aspect of your project?” I want to write about that little girl, who was filled with such determination. It ultimately didn’t matter that her wind chime was made of trash and not as pretty as the ones you can buy in stores. Hers was great and special because SHE made it. This was her accomplishment, and I helped her get there. I like to think that she'll remember some of the facts I taught her in the class, but I know she'll definitely remember the wind chime she made at the beach.
And for me, that is success.
It has been a month now since that second class. I am now working on my Gold Report, and one of the questions is: “What was the most successful aspect of your project?” I want to write about that little girl, who was filled with such determination. It ultimately didn’t matter that her wind chime was made of trash and not as pretty as the ones you can buy in stores. Hers was great and special because SHE made it. This was her accomplishment, and I helped her get there. I like to think that she'll remember some of the facts I taught her in the class, but I know she'll definitely remember the wind chime she made at the beach.
And for me, that is success.
I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
I greatly appreciate that you've taken the time to look at my website. If you've found the activities and information helpful, or if you have comments for how to make this site better for conservationalists of all ages and experience, please let me know!
Also, please check out the Bald Head Island Conservancy website. They do great work, and I'm sure they'd appreciate the visit.
