Stui Smith
Today I appreciate the role the DofE played in my life more than I ever realised it would when I was working towards the award.
In the years since, when I find myself in challenging situations, I think of my expeditions. Recalling how doubt became pride & achievement.
On the toughest days of my future, I would finish many days with a walk in nature find myself made calm. Nature is awe inspiring; standing on a windswept moor, high atop Malham Cove, or climbing a hill to see the view of a valley, gives you a sense of the immense beauty of life. The gradual change in the landscape each day of a hike makes for patient observance & relaxation. Noticing these tiny details was something that made lockdown more bearable.
Today, I look forward to an expedition to reconnect after isolation with the feeling of meaningful living that comes from being on an adventure.
Residential saw me replace homesickness with purpose. Service showed me that society is held together by many unseen generous acts. Skills brought new hobby opportunities. Physical recreation pushed me to face up to confidence issues.
Overall, the DofE brought me into contact with people beyond my generation from different social & economic backgrounds, expanding my knowledge & experience; but most of all proved my own determination & drive.
This saw me through the greatest struggles of my life, acting as a point of reference in times that might have felt like despair. The words that came to mind in the darkest periods were: “You can do this! You are the same person who carried almost half his weight across wild country” which is knowledge no one can take away.
My truth for youth is to take this chance, there is more support at age 25 than 26. DofE is brilliant; with opportunities to live a fuller life & is the start of a journey such as you might not envisage.
If in doubt, run at any obstacle, just as a hill, so that you might enjoy the benefit of your efforts rather than live in dread or regret.
In the years since, when I find myself in challenging situations, I think of my expeditions. Recalling how doubt became pride & achievement.
On the toughest days of my future, I would finish many days with a walk in nature find myself made calm. Nature is awe inspiring; standing on a windswept moor, high atop Malham Cove, or climbing a hill to see the view of a valley, gives you a sense of the immense beauty of life. The gradual change in the landscape each day of a hike makes for patient observance & relaxation. Noticing these tiny details was something that made lockdown more bearable.
Today, I look forward to an expedition to reconnect after isolation with the feeling of meaningful living that comes from being on an adventure.
Residential saw me replace homesickness with purpose. Service showed me that society is held together by many unseen generous acts. Skills brought new hobby opportunities. Physical recreation pushed me to face up to confidence issues.
Overall, the DofE brought me into contact with people beyond my generation from different social & economic backgrounds, expanding my knowledge & experience; but most of all proved my own determination & drive.
This saw me through the greatest struggles of my life, acting as a point of reference in times that might have felt like despair. The words that came to mind in the darkest periods were: “You can do this! You are the same person who carried almost half his weight across wild country” which is knowledge no one can take away.
My truth for youth is to take this chance, there is more support at age 25 than 26. DofE is brilliant; with opportunities to live a fuller life & is the start of a journey such as you might not envisage.
If in doubt, run at any obstacle, just as a hill, so that you might enjoy the benefit of your efforts rather than live in dread or regret.
