By Esther Cui

   Tamsin Hurlbut, a TPA Senior, recently acquired the Congressional Award Gold Medal!

   The Congressional Award, established by the U.S. Congress, challenges youth to explore their limits and expand their future. The requirements to earn the Gold Medal, though, are rigorous. Participants must gain 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness and a five-day, four night Expedition/Exploration. The process, demanding yet rewarding, requires a minimum of 24 months of dedication to become a  Gold Medalist.

   Tamsin began her goal in eighth grade. “I liked having volunteer hour goals, and going on an expedition sounded really appealing,” she said. This motivation fueled her desire to achieve her goals. 

   However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant obstacle, especially during Tamsin’s freshman year. Traditional volunteering opportunities dwindled, and traveling to a place to explore seemed distant. She soon got over that hurdle, and planned an expedition to Washington D.C. 

   Another aspect that drew Tamsin’s attention was volunteering. Working with the Aris Foundation, she began with a goal of fulfilling her service hours but ended up transforming who she is and her goals for her future. With this experience, she came to realize that she actually loved working with people, and it inspired her to pursue sociology in college with an ambition to address the housing crisis.

   Reflecting on her journey, Tamsin’s advice to those working towards the same goal is: don’t do the bare minimum, and consistency and passion are the key. She says, “I loved doing 

(it) … and I think anybody can do that who is committed and passionate about their volunteering or their internship or their job. If you stay committed and stay passionate, then I am 100% sure that anyone can do it.”

   With this accomplishment, Tamsin proves that not only can anyone earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, doing so can be enjoyable, and can expand your future in ways you have never thought of.