Kinga Nolan: Concussion Connect – Passion to Purpose

Kinga Nolan from Alberta creates concussion resource website for Canadian youth

TELL US ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT OF YOUR PROJECT

My project was to create a website with concussion resources for Canadian youth. This site helps provide local information so individuals can find the support they need to cope through the effects of a concussion. View the site here.

TELL US HOW YOU RECRUITED AND INVOLVED YOUR PEERS IN THE PROJECT

I reached out to peers who I know have sustained brain injuries and had them contribute their ideas and knowledge to the project. Furthermore, this project has provided volunteer opportunities to other Duke of Ed participants as I have enabled them as editors to help add content. This way they are able to volunteer for a meaningful cause while completing their Duke of Ed service component.

WHO DID YOUR PROJECT ENGAGE AND WHAT IMPACTS DID YOU AND YOUR TEAM ACHIEVE?

My project is engaging youth and adults across Canada who have sustained head injuries.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS ACHIEVED THROUGH YOUR PROJECT

My biggest success was finally seeing this project come to fruition. This was an idea that I have had for three years and it was a big accomplishment to have been granted funds and make this idea a reality.

TELL US ABOUT THE LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH YOUR PROJECT

With my website, I often struggled with organization. I had so many ideas for different content to add that a lot of my resources would get confusing or repetitive. I should have probably started my website by drawing some sort of idea map to track my ideas in order to avoid repetition but also organize my site in a fluid, cohesive way. Furthermore, website design is a completely new concept to me and therefore I am still learning. For example, I was prepared to provide analytics numbers for visitors in this project update, however I came to realize that this had to be set up separately and it is not automatic. As well, I am still struggling with the graphic design of my website to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. Moving forward, I would want to find a mentor who is able to give me insight and help in designing a website.