The D of E changed my life for the better in so many ways . Through the D of E I started volunteering in my local community helping elderly parishioners. The stories that some of them told me about their lives and how to overcome obstacles inspired me to try out for the local rugby team for the physical section of my bronze D of E. Before that I didn’t have any hobbies or anything to do after school . I was bored and I felt very alone each night and I didn’t realise the importance of homework . Rugby taught me respect , resilience, determination and discipline . I became physically fit and had more energy for my school work .
Going on our expedition made me appreciate how important it is to work as a team . It gave me confidence that I didn’t have before and I was proud to be asked to lead the team as each of us had different strengths . I remember struggling to cook on the stove the first time and my food could easily have been a disaster without support and advice from my teammates . My first attempt was a soggy mess ! However I managed to help others put up their tents quickly.
Now I am just about to complete my silver award and I have acquired so many new skills along the way including gardening , learning German and completing a 10 k run . To Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh I will always remember you . Thank you for giving me opportunities that I never would of had otherwise. I am much more confident and my life has improved so much since I started the D of E . Now I am not afraid to try new things and my school work towards my GCSE’s has improved dramatically.
I hope to go on and finish my gold award and I will do so in your memory. You will never be forgotten . I aspire to be a leader of the future and I hope to be the first person in my family to go to a university thanks to what I have learnt . I have had so much fun so far on my D of E journey and it is nowhere near complete yet !
Thank you so much