Alief Taylor senior Mykah Edison has spent four years building a reputation as one of the Lions’ most dependable volleyball players. A varsity contributor since her freshman season, she has earned multiple team awards, first-team all-district honors, and academic all-district recognition, and she carries a 4.5 GPA.
But away from the volleyball court, Edison has been making an equally meaningful impact by helping older adults gain the confidence to navigate today’s digital world through Gen2Gen Tech, a community program she created for her Girl Scouts Gold Award project.
“The Gold Award challenges Girl Scouts to address the root cause of a community issue with a solution that can continue long after the project ends,” said Edison. “I recognized that many older adults were being left behind as technology became essential to everyday life, and I wanted to help change that.”
Gen2Gen Tech enabled Edison to combine her interest in technology with her desire to serve others by creating a program that teaches older adults practical digital skills. The experience also strengthened her leadership as she developed lessons, trained volunteers, established community partnerships, and created resources to continue helping participants in the future.
“As a captain on the volleyball court, you learn quickly that a team doesn’t click overnight,” said Edison. “It takes patience to work through miscommunications and leadership to keep everyone focused on a shared goal. Building Gen2Gen Tech required the same mindset. Translating tech concepts for seniors took patience, and leading the program meant staying organized, motivating volunteers, and adapting when things didn’t go as planned.”
That leadership extends beyond the volleyball court, shaping how Edison approaches her work in the community and her desire to make a difference beyond sports.
“While I love volleyball and the drive it has given me, it’s just one piece of who I am,” said Edison. “I hope people see that I am deeply passionate about community and about using technology to bridge gaps between people.”
Edison’s desire to help older adults was shaped by a personal experience with her grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns made technology essential for staying connected, Edison saw firsthand how difficult and isolating it could be for older adults unfamiliar with digital tools.
“Helping her learn to use video calls and basic apps just to stay connected with our family was eye-opening,” said Edison. “It wasn’t just about teaching her which buttons to press; it was about building her sense of independence and connection during a really lonely time. That personal experience sparked the entire idea for the Gen2Gen Tech project.”
After talking with friends, Edison realized that her grandmother’s experience was not unique and that many older adults were facing the same challenges as technology became increasingly essential to everyday life.
“I realized almost everyone’s grandparents were struggling with the same issues: Missing appointments, feeling disconnected, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tech,” said Edison. “I realized my grandmother wasn’t a single case; an entire generation was being left in the dark as the world suddenly shifted online.”
What began as helping one family member soon became a community-wide effort.
“My vision was to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where older adults could build digital literacy at their own pace,” said Edison. “I wanted every participant to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, learning at their own pace, and learning without fear of embarrassment.”
Instead of creating a traditional classroom experience, Edison designed a hands-on curriculum that met participants where they were and emphasized everyday skills they could use immediately.
“My goal was to transform technology from something that felt overwhelming into a tool that fostered independence and gave participants greater confidence in their daily lives,” said Edison.
That approach made a difference for senior program participant Sheila Darling.
“Before joining the program, my biggest challenge with technology was feeling confident,” said Darling. “Learning new systems and tools can be overwhelming, especially since everything seems to change so fast. At times, I found myself asking, ‘Do I need more tech?’”
Since completing the program, Darling said she has developed greater comfort and independence when using technology.
“I feel much more comfortable and willing to try new things without hesitation,” said Darling. “I’ve learned skills that help me navigate technology more easily. What made the biggest difference is that I now see technology as something I can grow in, instead of something that holds me back. It’s given me more confidence in using technology.”
One of the most memorable moments occurred during a lesson on using Siri and Google Assistant. Edison noticed that many participants struggled with their phones’ small keyboards and were hesitant to press the wrong button or make mistakes. Once they learned they could use voice commands instead, their confidence grew almost immediately.
“While I love volleyball and the drive it has given me, it’s just one piece of who I am,” said Mykah Edison.
“Watching them use voice commands to call family members, find information, or send messages with ease showed me how one simple tool could remove a major barrier,” said Edison. “It was exciting to see them realize that technology could work for them instead of against them.”
The success of Gen2Gen Tech also marked the completion of one of the most significant milestones in Edison’s Girl Scouts’ journey.
“Mykah is an incredibly gifted and talented leader,” said Dr. Rosalind Burroughs, Edison’s Girl Scout troop leader. “Mykah’s quiet yet confident approach in all that she does reflects the thoughtfulness of her intentions in any project that she takes on.”
Burroughs said that Mykah’s interest in STEM and her natural inclination to help others made Gen2Gen Tech a natural extension of the work she was already doing.
“Mykah has always shown an interest in technology and science, as most of the projects and activities she has led focus on STEM and women in STEM careers,” said Burroughs. “I think of Mykah as somewhat of an “old soul”, so it was not surprising to hear that her project involved meeting the technological needs of an older generation. This project truly embodies who Mykah is. Although she is an only child, Mykah is sensitive to others’ needs and an eager helper. She is a natural leader with a heart for service who will continue to make the world a better place.”
That commitment to serving others is evident in Mykah’s work with the community and in the way she leads those around her on the volleyball court.
“Whether leading teammates in a close match or guiding volunteers in a community workshop, Mykah consistently demonstrates confidence, accountability, empathy, and perseverance,” said Toni Smith, Varsity Volleyball Coach at Alief Taylor. “Gen2Gen Tech shows that her leadership extends far beyond athletics. She uses her influence to inspire others, strengthen her community, and create opportunities for people of all ages to succeed.”
For Edison, the goal goes beyond completing a Girl Scouts project. She hopes Gen2Gen Tech can continue helping older adults feel connected and empowering young people to use their skills to serve others.
“I hope Gen2Gen Tech becomes a lasting bridge between generations, reminding older adults that they are never too old to learn and showing young people the incredible difference they can make by sharing their knowledge,” said Edison.
