Sarah Mester

Plans after high school:

I will be a freshman at the University of Michigan’s College of Arts and Sciences next year. Although I have not yet declared a major, I am considering political science.

Are there any Scouting or non-Scouting awards or recognitions you would like to mention?

Outside of Scouts BSA, I am actively involved with Venturing BSA and the Council Venturing Officers Association and was honored with the Council Venturing Leadership Award and a Venturing Area 3 Commendation.

Tell us a little bit about you…

When not participating in Scouting, I can often be found working on homework, reading a good book, or finishing a Photoshop project. My favorite class this past school year was AP Government and Politics, which I especially enjoyed because I felt challenged by the course content and felt like I had the chance to learn something new every week.

When and where did you earn your Eagle Scout rank?

I am a Founder of Troop 201 and passed my Eagle Scout Board of Review on October 21st, 2020.

What did you do for your Eagle Project?

For my Eagle Scout project, I tore down the current garden area at my school and installed new garden beds, benches, and a working irrigation system. The new garden provides students with additional outdoor area and gave the Garden Club an upgraded place to grow plants.

Did you have a favorite merit badge(s)? Did any merit badges(s) lead to a hobby or profession?

My favorite merit badges were Whitewater, Wilderness Survival, and Hiking. Each merit badge offered me a chance to expand my knowledge through primarily hands-on experiences, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you?

Being an Eagle Scout means that I have come to understand that by both serving others and challenging myself, I have the ability to inspire those around me and grow as a person. An Eagle Scout should serve as a leader and mentor to others, both within Scouting and beyond.

What is the greatest personal asset you developed while earning your Eagle Scout rank, or from being an Eagle in the greater community? How has this asset contributed towards personal fulfillment and success in your professional or personal life?

Do you have any advice for your fellow Eagles, or for those working towards becoming an Eagle? Or is there common advice you think should be ignored?

I was always taught about the principle of “challenge by choice.” Becoming an Eagle Scout is a momentous challenge that not every Scout wants to undertake. And that’s alright. Scouting is a very personal journey, and unless you are the one controlling that journey, the challenges you face might become less meaningful or even unenjoyable. I hope that all aspiring Eagle Scouts have thought about what they want from Scouting and how they might achieve those goals.

If you could add a thirteenth point to the Scout Law, what would it be?

I would add “thoughtful.” Being aware of others is an important life skill and remains very relevant in Scouting. For example, a Scout leading an activity should be thoughtful about how much time they are asking the adult leaders to commit. Likewise, an adult leader should be aware of how much is being asked of the youth leadership.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers?

Scouting offers unparalleled opportunities to lead, improve, and learn. I have come to understand that your dreams are limited by your imagination, and your success by your determination. I have had the chance to do many things in Scouts that I never could have thought possible when I began my journey. If you want to achieve something, both in Scouting and in life, go for it. If you never try, then you will never know.