After 18 months of dedication, growth, and personal achievement, I am beyond excited to share that I’ve completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award!

This has been an incredible journey—one that has truly transformed me both mentally and physically. Each section of the DofE Gold pushed me to test my limits, embrace new challenges, and discover passions I never knew I had. Here’s a glimpse into what the past 18 months looked like:

A Newfound Passion for Running
One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of my Duke of Edinburgh journey was my discovery of running. Before the DofE, I wasn’t a runner—but through the physical section, I found myself setting running goals and pushing past them in ways I never thought possible.

Now, I can proudly say that I’ve completed not just one, but two amazing races—the Paris 10k and London 10k. What started as a requirement for the award turned into a lifelong passion, and I’m not stopping here. There are plenty more races on the horizon, and I’m excited to keep chasing down new goals.

The Expedition: Lessons in Resilience and Self-Discovery
The Expedition was by far one of the most challenging—and rewarding—parts of this entire experience. Spending days out in nature, navigating unfamiliar territory with my team, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and perseverance.

I learned that being outside of your comfort zone is where the real growth happens. Whether it was dealing with unpredictable weather or just the sheer physical demands of the hike, I discovered that I’m capable of pushing through discomfort and emerging stronger on the other side.

What’s Next?
As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but feel immense pride in everything I’ve achieved through the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. But more than that, I’m filled with excitement for what’s next. Running has become a part of my life now, and the lessons I’ve learned from the Expedition and other challenges continue to inspire me daily.

There are more races, more goals, and more adventures on the horizon, and I’m ready for them!

Thank you to the Duke of Edinburgh Award program for this amazing opportunity, and to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to see where the next challenge takes me!

 

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