As a 15 year old aspiring medic, I was told by the entire teaching staff of my high school that the Duke of Edinburgh award was a rite of passage to gain a place at medical school. I approached DofE as a requirement rather than a privilege, an obligation that demanded my close-nit group of friends to bond with a pair who, in normal circumstances, we'd never even think to speak to. Two boys from the private school down the road, who may as well have been from Mars, 'knocked' on our tent door to inform us they had the misfortune of being part of our group. The first of the two refused to meet my eye but the second I recognised instantly as an old teammate from club cricket. Of course, we kept this information to ourselves as neither wanted to be the first to exchange pleasantries. But as the cold of night set in, I knew we'd eventually have to speak to each other to plan our expedition. After a quick 'do you remember me', organically over three days, silence and forced awkwardness turned into laughter and teamwork. I will forever be grateful to DofE for encouraging me to step out of my social bubble and strike a friendship with two boys I have had the pleasure of watching grow into men. DofE gave me a chance to find my soulmate and four years on we are planning a future together, while looking forward to the expeditions life has in store for us.