shabina Ahmad
I’ve gone from a quiet, shy, 13.5 year old to a confident, independent, 35 year old who can address a room full of people.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an award scheme like no other. Forsaking all distinctions, it is open equally to all.
It gave me my first real taste of independence and helped me discover my love for the outdoors.
I continue to enjoy walking the hills of the UK and they are a place I find peace. I wouldn’t have known what was outside of London from such an age if the Award hadn’t introduced me to the beauty of our open areas, hills and National Parks.
As an award participant I learned to work cohesively with my peers, make decisions and take on leadership roles. The skills I gained are self evident to this day.
Life long friendships have been built over shared experiences and stories will forever be told.
My choice of university degree stemmed from my time as a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award participant. I was the first person in my family to get a degree which opened even more doors for me.
For my bronze service section I joined the Volunteer Police Cadet Corps (VPCC) and through the award levels I continued to grow with the VPCC. This cemented my career choice. A career which has provided me with an opportunity to do a job I love whilst being financially stable.
Even as an adult the Award continues to encourage me out of my comfort zone. The Diamond Challenge helped me discover my interest in Triathlons despite my unease in deep water.
I have been invited to talk about my experience of the DofE Award at fundraising events, Gold Award ceremonies and on radio. Something 13 year old me would have said no to.
I haven’t stopped giving back and have continued to be involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to this day.
The satisfaction of assisting young people in gaining their Award is second to none.
I have much to thank the Award for and that debt can never be repaid.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an award scheme like no other. Forsaking all distinctions, it is open equally to all.
It gave me my first real taste of independence and helped me discover my love for the outdoors.
I continue to enjoy walking the hills of the UK and they are a place I find peace. I wouldn’t have known what was outside of London from such an age if the Award hadn’t introduced me to the beauty of our open areas, hills and National Parks.
As an award participant I learned to work cohesively with my peers, make decisions and take on leadership roles. The skills I gained are self evident to this day.
Life long friendships have been built over shared experiences and stories will forever be told.
My choice of university degree stemmed from my time as a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award participant. I was the first person in my family to get a degree which opened even more doors for me.
For my bronze service section I joined the Volunteer Police Cadet Corps (VPCC) and through the award levels I continued to grow with the VPCC. This cemented my career choice. A career which has provided me with an opportunity to do a job I love whilst being financially stable.
Even as an adult the Award continues to encourage me out of my comfort zone. The Diamond Challenge helped me discover my interest in Triathlons despite my unease in deep water.
I have been invited to talk about my experience of the DofE Award at fundraising events, Gold Award ceremonies and on radio. Something 13 year old me would have said no to.
I haven’t stopped giving back and have continued to be involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to this day.
The satisfaction of assisting young people in gaining their Award is second to none.
I have much to thank the Award for and that debt can never be repaid.
