As a result of achieving the Gold award, I have gone on to become a teacher, because of DofE I had the confidence to apply for the course and work with young people. The biggest impact of DofE for me is the life long skill of being able to talk to anyone. My volunteering opportunity helped with this and also the expedition stage through working with a new team.

As I gained so much personally from DofE, it's really important that I now encourage young people to get involved. Through teaching, I have helped to organise expeditions, been an award verifier and helped young people to find a volunteering placement.

No matter who you are, where you come from or what your background is, the DofE is for all young people. The flexibility and power of the award is life changing and I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.