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Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Phoolparee Mahendra Shah - Aged 16, Northampton

Every single one of us has so much to offer the world when we’re young, just as the world has so much to offer us. We have so many opportunities, thrown at us, that once in a while you can’t help but grab them. We do this because we want to do something, which is different, exciting and something which we’ll always have memories of. You have to go out there and quench your thirst for adventure, then and only then can you say you have done your best to fulfil your youth.

I had one of those grabbing opportunities, which no one could resist. Well I couldn’t anyway. ‘Carpe Diem’ is what I did (I seized the day), which benefited me and by taking on the challenge, I could show all I had the potential within me to accomplish all.

I did this by taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: which has three levels and three sections to each level. I gained several skills by taking part in the Award, and the persistence to keep going, especially when my group got lost during an expedition – as I knew I had the potential to do it, this inspired me to use my leadership skills and get the group to work as a team, so we could get through any obstacles that lay ahead.

Time management and organisation were as important as team work, especially when planning out the route and route cards for an expedition. Communication throughout the group was also important, which kept our enthusiasm high even when the weather was bad. The goal ahead was our target, we had to visualise being there.

By doing the award, I learned to be more self-reliable and become more independent throughout each section, acquiring other talents while deciphering my strengths and weaknesses, so I would know how to improve them and progress. All these skills which I obtained are being implemented during my everyday activities.

During 18 th May 2005, everyone that had completed their Awards was to be presented with their certificates to show what they had achieved. Everyone anticipated that moment, and it was amazing to see all the Award participants and their supporters.

The Award caters for all, if a person is not capable to complete one section then, Sectional certificates are given out – which is great! You could feel the nervousness in the room, but it made it more meaningful to be there and it was such an honour to receive my certificates. It had made jumping into the deep end of the pool all worth it. That jump symbolising if something is going to be pursued, it may as well be done to the extreme.

A guest speaker came to present us with our Awards (Michelle Kimberly – A British Pentathlon Squad member and also a semi-finalist on Gladiators). She inspired us all by saying that:

‘The sky’s the limit’.

Everyone has their interpretations, but I think it means anything is possible, as long as you keep working towards your goal, as everyone has the potential.

If you get the chance to take on the challenge and prove that you’ve got something hidden, and you want to bloom, then go for it, there should be nothing stopping as it will benefit you in the long run. You will able to develop personally in many ways while enhancing yourself physically and mentally…

 To find out more please visit   http://www.theaward.org/