Kyle Susaya
Our time at school contributes so much in shaping our life and my story is just as typical.
I was fortunate enough to attend our annual taster days for extra-curricular activities in school, allowing students to have fulfilling experiences.
Our school-run DofE group joined in. I could be seen cooking over portable stoves, pitching tents and map reading. All new things that would excite any young person. The promise of expeditions captivated me, having immigrated to the UK as a young boy, I had never been on sleepovers, let alone camping trips!
I ran home that same day and told my mum all about this new club I wanted to join. In hindsight, she had no idea, but was proud that I was fitting in.
Soon enough, the time came to sign up and join a group, in this I found myself alone. The room was filled with talk and excitement as groups formed, but I found awkward silence and felt overwhelming anxiety. As luck would have it, I caught the eye of James with Liam and later Kathryn. From there, our bonds of friendship were forged, and they remain today.
Throughout the award scheme, we tested one another’s strengths, but also, how to best support each other in our weaknesses. Apart from the planning and training needed for an expedition, an activity I enjoyed was the pre-expedition shopping. Can you imagine four youths with a trolley full of food, arguing and laughing. I certainly can.
From 2010, I enjoyed the completion of my Bronze and Silver with my original team. 2016 brought the end to my 6 years as a DofE participant. In that summer, I was honoured with meeting the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Holyrood for my Gold certificate. Even though our team could not be present, I did not feel alone.
Soon after this, I pursued a career in the Marchant Navy, now I am a fully qualified deck officer. Today, I find myself utilising the talents and skills borne by my experiences. I am grateful for my family and friends for the support that has driven me to do my best, always.
I was fortunate enough to attend our annual taster days for extra-curricular activities in school, allowing students to have fulfilling experiences.
Our school-run DofE group joined in. I could be seen cooking over portable stoves, pitching tents and map reading. All new things that would excite any young person. The promise of expeditions captivated me, having immigrated to the UK as a young boy, I had never been on sleepovers, let alone camping trips!
I ran home that same day and told my mum all about this new club I wanted to join. In hindsight, she had no idea, but was proud that I was fitting in.
Soon enough, the time came to sign up and join a group, in this I found myself alone. The room was filled with talk and excitement as groups formed, but I found awkward silence and felt overwhelming anxiety. As luck would have it, I caught the eye of James with Liam and later Kathryn. From there, our bonds of friendship were forged, and they remain today.
Throughout the award scheme, we tested one another’s strengths, but also, how to best support each other in our weaknesses. Apart from the planning and training needed for an expedition, an activity I enjoyed was the pre-expedition shopping. Can you imagine four youths with a trolley full of food, arguing and laughing. I certainly can.
From 2010, I enjoyed the completion of my Bronze and Silver with my original team. 2016 brought the end to my 6 years as a DofE participant. In that summer, I was honoured with meeting the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Holyrood for my Gold certificate. Even though our team could not be present, I did not feel alone.
Soon after this, I pursued a career in the Marchant Navy, now I am a fully qualified deck officer. Today, I find myself utilising the talents and skills borne by my experiences. I am grateful for my family and friends for the support that has driven me to do my best, always.
