I didn’t have the opportunity to do my DofE when I was young so came to the award much later in life when I was working in a secondary school. The center manager not only invested in the young people but also the volunteer staff on expeditions. He encouraged me to do my expedition leader training which in turn lead to me becoming an outdoor education worker. At 56 I have finally found my calling and dream job. I have spent four very satisfying years encouraging young people to challenge themselves by instructing land based activities and am currently training to be a paddlesports instructor.