When I was at school, I was encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award and although I was very nervous I completed it and it changed my life. Not only did it help me gain more confidence with working with others, but it made me appreciate my own potential and gave me the skills and knowledge to enhance my own working career. If it was not for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, I would not have any appreciation of the countryside, as I was a towny! Also, it gave me the encouragement to want to work with young people when I started my own career as a teacher. I am now a Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at my school and thoroughly enjoy watching so many students flourish and complete their award.