The Duke of Edinburgh's award in many ways changed and shaped my life, to were I am today in my profession as an outdoor instructor, adventurer and explorer. While it was not sole contributor it was certainly a push in this direction.

Having completed my Bronze and then Gold when I was 18, I volunteered in the local youth centre during this time. I gained qualifications in youth work and outdoor pursuits from this. I've been helping young people ever since, whether that being through the award as a supervisor and soon to be assessor. Working as a programme leader on the National Citizens Service, a speaker and an outdoor instructor. I have come across young people within all of these roles at different stages of their award. Witnessing the development of young people through the award has been incredibly rewarding.

It has also added to me personally, giving me the added confidence to work with others but also organising events and adventures. My personal adventures have taken me, to drive to Mongolia and back, circumnavigate the world in a Nissan Micra and hike the Slovenian Mountain Trail, to name the big ones. let alone climb mountains all over the British Isles.

I cannot thank the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in how it has shaped me and my career and look forward to assessing young people for the future to come as they undertake their award.