Name: Isha Merchant
TAC Project Name: Gator Pals
Number Impacted: 30
Tell us about your Take Action Challenge. Why did you start this project, what impact did you want to make?
I was passionate about working with children and helping them learn to be leaders later on in their lives. In Gator Pals, the mentors and I worked to build a trusting relationship where the kids would be comfortable to express themselves in the activities. We also worked to teach them about various skills, careers, and experiences they could face in life (such as peer pressure). Each week would focus on another topic, and through each week the kids would learn something they could take home and use in their daily lives.
What did you accomplish?
Through this club I accomplished giving these kids a space where they were free to learn and be themselves. I also gave the freshmen mentors an outlet to grow their leadership skills, prior to being on a council for clubs or organizations. The kids developed in to mature and strong leaders.
How did you overcome obstacles?
One of the obstacles in the club was a lack of organization. Many times it would be hard to relay information about the club meetings. We solved this by taking out time in the car rides to the school to discuss the lesson plans and what we wanted to accomplish.
If you could advice to a future YWLC participant about her Take Action Challenge, what would it be?
Think bigger and try to reach higher goals.
