Emma Madeline Mazzarella is a Patchogue teen using courage and compassion to spark change in her role as a member of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. Her Silver Award project, You Are Not Alone Bags, offers hope to struggling students. Through Girl Scouts, she’s found confidence, connection, and a passion for making a difference.
What was your Silver Award about, and what inspired you to take on that specific challenge?
I created You Are Not Alone Bags. Basically these were different colored string bags that had things like coloring books, crayons, fidget toys, stickers, notebooks and the suicide hotline number 988. These bags were to help teens cope if they were struggling or needed a way out. I wanted them to know that they are loved and aren’t alone. We put these bags in all three middle schools in the Patchogue Medford school district in the libraries. I was inspired to take on this specific challenge because I feel like mental health is truly a big problem for teens nowadays.
How has being part of Girl Scouts helped you build courage and be more confident speaking in public?
Girl Scouts has helped me learn to stand up in what I believe in and trust myself. It’s given me the courage to speak up in front of all different types of people about my thoughts and opinions and confidence to express my voice. It’s helped me meet so many new people and make so many friends along my journey as well as trying new fun things!
As one of the Girl Scouts Media Girls, what do you enjoy the most about representing your council in interviews and events?
I’ve met new people, made new friends and old, I’ve learned new things and made accomplishments and more goals!
Your troop takes part in many community service projects. What’s one project that meant a lot to you personally and why?
We recently donated candy to Military Missions as well as making cards for them. The candy and cards went out to the strong men and women serving our country. This meant a lot to me because I feel that those who serve and protect us need to feel loved and how grateful we are for what they do.
What advice would you give to a younger Girl Scouts who may be nervous about stepping into leadership roles or public speaking?
Just always be yourself and don’t be scared to use your voice. Other people deserve to hear your opinion. I know at times it can definitely be scary but that’s what makes us brave and what pushes us to speak out. It’s not as hard as it looks once you’ve done it and maybe once you’ve experienced it you’ll like it and think it’s fun!
