I started Duke of Edinburgh as the school recommended it to improve my self-confidence. Being deaf myself, I was anxious to join but since then I have completed Bronze, Silver & Gold DofE award! I did all of these award with Essex Fire Service which I have a lot to thank for as I have learnt loads of skills, made new friends and lots of memories! Without them, I would not be who I am today. The memories ranges from being drenched after stepping in a swamp, to being chased after horses and occasionally getting lost but at least we enjoyed the view of Snowdon! Lots of laughter (and maybe occasional moodiness) were made with an amazing group of people (some who I did it since Bronze or new faces in Gold). After the awards, I have gone off to university and it has enabled me to find a job being a DofE leader for a deaf charity, whom I have undertaken training for expedition assessor, managers and awards verifier. I chose to be a DofE leader because I hoped to inspire the younger generation, and to raise their aspirations because someone else gave me the chance to do so. DofE has made me become a confident individual, and I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to complete it.