Sample Challenge Project
BA 342 CHANGE OUR WORLD CHALLENGE – SP16 BA 342
| Name: Professor Johnson | Date: 4/10/16 | Class: BA 342 |
| Honor Statement: I affirm that the idea reflected below is my own work and that I implemented the challenge discussed. (REQUIRED) | ||
| Challenge Statement: I agree to have my challenge idea shared through BA 342 and the Smeal College of Business. (Optional) | ||
Section #1 – Challenge Idea:
My idea starts with my love of integrity. I try and conduct my life with integrity and like to encourage others to do so as well. When I considered this challenge my first thought was to just go and volunteer somewhere for 3 hours but I decided I wanted to connect directly with people where I could see/feel the impact. I remembered a young girl from my neighborhood who belonged to the Girl Scouts of America Organization. This non-profit group promotes and encourages young girls to experience new things, develop leadership skills and support community efforts. I knew that the Girl Scouts were selling cookies (their major fund raiser) and I decided to visit a troop selling cookies outside of a store. My plan is to ask how much a box costs (around $4.00) and tell them I have $20.00. The goal is to have the girls choose 5 boxes for me (their favorites). Once I have paid for these I will give them back the boxes of cookies and ask them to give the 5 boxes, one at a time, to anyone they think would be blessed by them (free of charge).
Section #2 – Implementation Process:
On April 5, 2016 I found a group of girl scouts outside of Wal-Mart North Atherton in State College, PA selling cookies – a perfect setting for my challenge idea. I went up and asked how many boxes I could get for $20.00 and they said 5 boxes. I then asked the girls to pick out for me 5 boxes which they did. Interestingly, they loved doing this. It was fun to hear them debate which type would be best for me. They bagged them up for me and I handed them the $20.00. Then the fun began – I did not accept the cookies but told them what I wanted them to do was to bless 5 individuals with a free box of cookies. The Moms were excited, mouthing, “This is so great!” I thanked them and walked away. As I walked away the buzz was amazing as Moms and daughters excitedly talk about what to do.
Section #3 – Summary:
Interestingly, the benefits from this challenge grew. I could say those young girls who are getting to practice working on my honor/giving challenge learned a valuable lesson. I could say the Moms benefited from having a great teachable moment with their daughters. I could say that their entire families and friends who learned of this activity benefited by the example. But, the most benefit came back to me. What a great feeling to see something so simple have such a positive impact. I would say the challenge worked quite well. I have always been a giving kind of person (volunteering and donating to causes) but this somehow was the most fulfilling of all. If all 600 students in our class really take the time to think about this and do the challenge I can’t imagine all the good that we can produce.
