During my Duke of Edinburgh expeditions I suffered with anxiety. Sometimes I felt so nervous that I was ill. I didn't realise it was anxiety at the time and one of the leaders asked if I wanted to go home, after being sick 2 times in one day. I asked if I would be able to do the real expedition if I went home. She said not to worry about that and I said I'd see how I felt in the morning. I was better in the morning. The expedition taught me that preparation is key to managing stress levels. It also taught me to take one step at a time and only focus on that step, so that all the little steps lead to one big success.

The award helped me later on in life. When I felt like I didn't have the energy to walk home after a long day of working, I remembered carrying my massive backpack through The Pyrenees. If I could do that, I could be on my feet for 9 hours and do the 45 minute commute past 2 taxi ranks.

Looking back on all of the things that I accomplished in 2 years; dancing in the Disney Land Parade for the residential, dancing at Stagecoach for the sport, volunteering as a teaching assistant, Young Enterprise and driving for the skills, planning and fund raising for for the expedition while completing my A-levels. I realised that you can do anything you put your mind to with the help of some amazing people. I remember Andy Grimsdale really helped me; at one point he was carrying his bag on his back and my bag on his front. Jimmy Mwangi also took some of my camping gear at points. Amy Benton, Molly Iredale, Katie Tregale, Daniel Bou-Daher navigated when I was not able to. These people, my family, the leaders and teachers all helped to keep spirits and morale high too and I'll be forever grateful to them.

Lastly, my appreciation goes to The Duke of Edinburgh himself. Without him the award wouldn't be possible. Nature and exercise are great healers when it comes to anxiety and the award has boosted my confidence greatly because I now know I can overcome anyth