For my Eagle Project, I built benches for the Audubon Society, gaining a range of skills from woodworking to leadership.
As a woodworking project, I learned numerous techniques, but my growth went beyond just carpentry. I developed skills to see a project through from concept to completion. I learned to budget carefully, accounting for potential mistakes along the way. I practiced effective fundraising by reaching out to my network, and I collaborated with multiple suppliers to get quality materials at the lowest cost. By leveraging the expertise of others, I was able to produce high-quality work.
Most importantly, I learned to lead effectively. Over 20 people volunteered, many of whom had little experience with woodworking. I worked to create a productive environment, taking the time to teach each volunteer something new every day they participated. Many volunteers didn’t know each other, so after each workday, I hosted dinner at my house to foster friendships and end the day positively. This became my favorite part of the project, as it allowed everyone to learn new skills and build connections.
Link to video summary of project: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lEjXVubX2kI
Link to project page: https://www.beautyofcars.com/nividh-singhs-eagle-project