DofE was an important, formative experience for me. It helped me learn about leadership, independence, make life long friendships and most of all gave me a connection to nature and the outdoors that has stayed with me my whole life. I was born in London and had plenty of access to formal gardens and royal parks, but the award gave me knowledge and a love for the wild and open spaces we have in this country, how important they are and confidence and belief that they are accessible to all. These formative experiences have been powerful in helping form me and my feelings of identity, connection, pride and belonging in being a British Sikh.