I told myself that I would never, in a million years, do the Silver DofE Award as I was trudging through the mud and the pouring rain on my Bronze expedition. Now, almost 4 years later, I am looking forward to being able to complete my Gold DofE Award expedition with the same people I started my Bronze with. DofE not only taught me practical outdoor skills, and encouraged me to enjoy being in the countryside more often, but gave me the chance to make friends and memories that I will treasure forever. For that, I am truly grateful.