Stephanie Ricketts
I was privileged to receive my Gold award from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at St James's Palace in 2012. I was lucky enough to have a chat about my service volunteering working with Elfed, the special needs department in my school, #QueenElizabethHighSchool, Carmarthen. For me, #DofE allowed me to pursue opportunities that shaped my current career. From the award I realised I enjoyed working with others and teaching. I learnt sign language during my Bronze award which supporting me in helping out at the school's special needs department with the hearing-impaired children during my Gold award. This was hugely rewarding and the catalyst to me pursuing teaching.
As an avid skier, the Silver award allowed me to volunteer at my local dry ski centre's Kid's club which lead me to becoming a qualified ski instructor.
Across the physical to the skills section, I was able to develop my other hobbies and gain the confidence to perform with the violin and public speaking with #LAMDA.
During the 60th year anniversary, for the Diamond award, I managed to persuade my Mum who very fittingly was 60 years old to climb Snowdonia with me on my first visit to North Wales. It was exhilarating to share the experience with her and take her out of her comfort zone. Mainly for the main aim of the #DofE award of realising anything is possible when you put your mind on it to dawn on my 60 year old Mother. Especially since it is what she had taught me for many years in completing all three medals.
The Bronze award was my first experience of hiking and camping. The expeditions always ended in smiles, as we triumphed against the British weather.
Amazingly now as a secondary school teacher, I have led expeditions across the Atlas Mountains and supervised the international Bronze award in Thailand. I hope my story encourages my students to realise their potential and develop their skills.
Stephanie Ricketts
As an avid skier, the Silver award allowed me to volunteer at my local dry ski centre's Kid's club which lead me to becoming a qualified ski instructor.
Across the physical to the skills section, I was able to develop my other hobbies and gain the confidence to perform with the violin and public speaking with #LAMDA.
During the 60th year anniversary, for the Diamond award, I managed to persuade my Mum who very fittingly was 60 years old to climb Snowdonia with me on my first visit to North Wales. It was exhilarating to share the experience with her and take her out of her comfort zone. Mainly for the main aim of the #DofE award of realising anything is possible when you put your mind on it to dawn on my 60 year old Mother. Especially since it is what she had taught me for many years in completing all three medals.
The Bronze award was my first experience of hiking and camping. The expeditions always ended in smiles, as we triumphed against the British weather.
Amazingly now as a secondary school teacher, I have led expeditions across the Atlas Mountains and supervised the international Bronze award in Thailand. I hope my story encourages my students to realise their potential and develop their skills.
Stephanie Ricketts
