My Gold Award Project
My project addresses the issue of poor posture and mobility. Poor posture poses the highest risk during adolescence due to growth spurts, increased usage of mobile phones and heavy backpacks, and long hours of poor sitting positions. During my research, I came across Operation Walk, a humanitarian organization that provides the gift of mobility through joint replacement surgery in communities with a lack of access to good care. I traveled to the Philippines in July 2024, on a medical mission with Operation Walk. I look forward to continuing to make a global impact as a student volunteer.
Why I Chose This Project
-
I have back issues that could've been avoided with good posture.
-
I want to help students in my community by educating them on the benefits of good posture.
-
I want to make a global impact by helping a humanitarian organization that restores mobility for those who can't afford it.
My Project Goals
-
Teach pre-adolescents about the consequences of bad posture.
-
Teach simple stretches and exercises that they can easily incorporate into their daily routine.
-
Work with Operation Walk to collect gently used walkers and crutches to be sent to the summer 2024 medical mission trip to the Philippines.
Impact Sustainability
​
-
Young people will gain the knowledge and skills to prevent future injuries and maintain spine health long term.
-
Share my research and resources I've created such as reference cards with local PE teachers to incorporate education about correct posture as a part of their annual curriculum.
-
Create a program for year-round collection of walkers and crutches to be donated to Operation Walk for future missions.