Leaders, have you ever taken on a pet project with a soldier?

I wouldn't necessarily call it a pet project. You're doing what NCOs do - lead, guide, train, and motivate their Soldiers. With all the additional responsibilities that get heaped on to NCOs, along with some of the authority that has been taken away, it's great to see that you are still making time to help a junior Soldier succeed, despite geographical barriers.

Absolutely, nothing better than working with someone willing and able who just needs the how.

And not just soldiers. When I was in cadet command, I had a 4th year who had not yet passed her CWST..and she was headed to CLC in just a few weeks.
Daily pool sessions took place every morning before class or PT on PT days. She was never late, never skipped, never begged off because "Thirsty Thursdays' was just too much last night.
She learned to conquer her fear of the water, learn the skills required, and compleated the prereq for CLC as well as completed the same task at camp that year.

I think the fact that you are keeping in touch with hey, giving her advice and continuing to guide her is what's driving her, keep it up brother. Your setting a good example, just wouldn't call it a pet project.