Submitted by Emily Mohlis

Northern & Northeastern Colorado

Greeley

How has your Gold Award experience impacted who you are today?

I did not realize it during, but earning my Gold Award gave me experience in leadership, time management, and basic people skills that I use almost every day earning my degree in Elementary Education at the University of Northern Colorado.

What inspired you to continue with Girl Scouts after high school and become a co-leader?

I have always dreamed of becoming a Girl Scout leader just so I could say I have had the experience of being a girl as well as a leader. However, after high school, I planned to continue my Girl Scout membership, but becoming a leader at such a young age never crossed my mind until a friend overheard me talking about Girl Scouts at work and asked if I was interested in co-leading a troop of elementary-aged girls. Without hesitation, I agreed and ever since then I have never once regretted saying yes. Being a leader is such a rewarding opportunity and especially starting so young has helped me know that my true passion is for teaching young children.

How did participating in the cookie sale as a girl help you grow and build skills?

As a girl, selling cookies taught me skills in handling money, greeting customers, and how to be successful in something as small as selling cookies, and I have used those skills to help further myself in my personal, school, and work environments.

What are you most excited about this cookie sale?

I am most excited about getting to experience the leader-side of cookie sales. I cannot wait to reflect on how the girls’ skills develop from the beginning of sales to the end of sales, and getting to be there to see both their challenges, but the moments when suddenly it all makes sense in their heads (aka “the lightbulb moments”)!

What skills do you hope to see in the girls in your troop develop through the cookie sale?

Since this is the first year my girls are selling cookies and around strangers they can be somewhat shy, I hope my girls will first and foremost build up their confidence to become strong leaders in our troop. The ages of my girls ranges about three years and so another skill I hope they acquire is to work as a team, having the older girls starting in the leadership role and slowly passing it on to the younger girls and allowing them the opportunity to lead as well!