Well, the fact that you feel that way about the badges you've earned tells me that the Gym Leaders you've met so far on your journey are doing their jobs well...at least, I'd like to think so. [He can't say for sure, after all, since he doesn't know them personally, but...] For me, inspiring that feeling of pride when awarding badges to young trainers is one of the best parts of being a Gym Leader.
[...]
In a way, being a leader is a little like being a teacher. After all, you're testing the challenger to see what they've learned so far as a Pokemon trainer. You show them new ways to battle or show them where the mistakes are in their strategies, and they learn from that and find new ways to improve on them afterward. And, I suppose awarding the badge is proof of having passed the test, taking one step closer to achieving your dreams and moving towards the Pokemon League, or wherever your path may take you.
[written, 20th July]
[...]
In a way, being a leader is a little like being a teacher. After all, you're testing the challenger to see what they've learned so far as a Pokemon trainer. You show them new ways to battle or show them where the mistakes are in their strategies, and they learn from that and find new ways to improve on them afterward. And, I suppose awarding the badge is proof of having passed the test, taking one step closer to achieving your dreams and moving towards the Pokemon League, or wherever your path may take you.