Jenna Sykes
I started the Duke of Edinburgh's Award as an Air Cadet, completing the Bronze and Silver awards as fast as I could do them. In 2016, I undertook the Gold Award. Completing the Volunteer Section at Little Deer Wood, Activity Centre, building sheds for equipment, hosting activity evenings for individuals with sensory, learning or physical disabilities and working on a narrowboat to cut back greenery to ensure safety to narrowboaters and pathways alongside the canal.
My expedition took place in Bavaria, Germany, wandering through the borders of Austria also. Planning the routes ourselves and motivating one another when it became difficult. It was an amazing experience, one that I carry with me proudly and talk about often. I received my Gold Award in May 2017 at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has truly taught me a lot, including necessary life skills and a lot about myself. It has truly changed my life, I often reminisce and would love to do it all again if I could. I recommend it to all Air Cadets myself as a staff member. I have recently applied for university, in several of my interviews I was asked about my experiences in the award and I have no doubt that completing this award has stood out in my personal statement and CV.
It is a challenge but is 100% worth doing. I am very grateful to the Air Cadet organisation for incorporating such a prestigious award into the training and I am also grateful the Duke of Edinburgh created such an award, where young people from all backgrounds can be given the opportunity to strive for greatness through their own determination.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is something I will carry with me through my life, with pride and I recommend it to all individuals. If it is offered to you at school or through an organisation, to take the opportunity, you will meet life long friends, gain a prestigious award that is looked to in job and university applications and learn a lot about your character.
My expedition took place in Bavaria, Germany, wandering through the borders of Austria also. Planning the routes ourselves and motivating one another when it became difficult. It was an amazing experience, one that I carry with me proudly and talk about often. I received my Gold Award in May 2017 at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has truly taught me a lot, including necessary life skills and a lot about myself. It has truly changed my life, I often reminisce and would love to do it all again if I could. I recommend it to all Air Cadets myself as a staff member. I have recently applied for university, in several of my interviews I was asked about my experiences in the award and I have no doubt that completing this award has stood out in my personal statement and CV.
It is a challenge but is 100% worth doing. I am very grateful to the Air Cadet organisation for incorporating such a prestigious award into the training and I am also grateful the Duke of Edinburgh created such an award, where young people from all backgrounds can be given the opportunity to strive for greatness through their own determination.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is something I will carry with me through my life, with pride and I recommend it to all individuals. If it is offered to you at school or through an organisation, to take the opportunity, you will meet life long friends, gain a prestigious award that is looked to in job and university applications and learn a lot about your character.
