You are leaving girlscouts.org for a website opened by an external party. You will be subjected to the privacy and security policies of the website
Gold Award Spotlight: Sofia M
Age 18 | Ambassador Girl Scout | Doral, FL
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love to dance, sing, do archery, and make arts and crafts.
In a word, what does it mean to say, "I am a Girl Scout"?
Community.
As a senior, what are some of your future plans?
I plan to attend Florida International University. I've been awarded the Florida Medallion Scholars Scholarship and the FIU Gold and Blue Scholarship.
What is the title of your project?
Breathe, Dance, Heal
Tell us more about your project and how you completed it.
My Gold Award project, Breathe, Dance, Heal, is a wellness initiative that helps young adults manage stress and anxiety through simple yoga, breathing, and movement techniques. I led in-person workshops and presentations at my school and with organizations including HOSA, Interact Club, yoga classes, and fellow Girl Scouts.
I also created and shared educational videos on social media platforms like Instagram to expand the project's reach and make the resources accessible to a wider audience. Through these workshops and online materials, I taught practical routines that students can use anytime to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and feel more grounded.
To keep the project going, all of the content remains available online for continued use, and I'm working with school programs and student organizations to keep the resources accessible so future students can keep benefiting from it after I graduate.
Why is this project important to you? What gave you the inspiration to approach this topic the way that you did?
This project is deeply personal because it was inspired by my own experience with anxiety and learning how to manage it in healthy ways. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I went from being constantly active to suddenly having many of my normal activities come to a stop, and that made me realize how important movement was to my overall well-being.
When I was first introduced to yoga, I was hesitant, but it quickly became a powerful tool that helped me feel calmer, more balanced, and more in control. Because of the positive impact it had on my life, I wanted to share these techniques with others. I chose to focus on movement because it's simple, accessible, and relatable, making it an effective way to help young adults facing similar challenges.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was helping students feel comfortable participating in yoga and breathing exercises, especially in group settings where they might feel self-conscious. I focused on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where participants felt no pressure to perform perfectly.
I kept the activities simple and approachable while continually adapting my sessions based on participant feedback. Over time, that helped build trust and confidence among participants, resulting in greater engagement and a more positive experience overall.
How does this project contribute to your future goals?
This project directly supports my future goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist. Through Breathe, Dance, Heal, I strengthened the empathy, communication, and leadership skills that are essential when working with children and their families.
I learned how to connect with young people, create supportive environments, and teach coping strategies that help reduce stress and anxiety. These experiences reinforced my passion for combining healthcare with emotional support, an important part of providing compassionate care to pediatric patients.
What did you learn about yourself in the process of completing your project?
Throughout this project, I discovered that I'm capable of organizing, leading, and adapting more effectively than I previously realized. I learned that I'm passionate about helping others improve their well-being and that I find fulfillment in creating supportive spaces where people feel comfortable and encouraged.
I also learned the value of preparation, collaboration, and stepping into leadership roles. This experience strengthened my confidence and showed me how much growth can come from taking initiative and embracing new challenges.
What did you learn about your community in the process of completing your project?
I learned that my community is highly receptive to programs that promote wellness and healthy stress management. Many people are willing to explore activities like yoga and movement when given the opportunity in an encouraging environment.
I also discovered that even small wellness-focused initiatives can make a meaningful impact. The positive response to my workshops showed me that people value opportunities to slow down, connect with others, and prioritize their mental and physical health.
Has your project received any previous awards or accolades?
I was nominated for the Silver Knight Award in the speech category.
