by Phiala Shanahan, Gold Award holder, South Australia
I chose to start the Award in high school, as part of an organised program. Six years later, well into university and having completed all three stages, I’m so glad I did! In moving out of my comfort zone to find ways to complete the Award, I’ve met people, made friends and done things which have changed my lifestyle and my life.
.JPG)
As a child I had often thought about doing a martial art, but I was heavily involved in other sports and it just never happened. The Award finally provided the motivation I needed to venture out to find a sport my school didn’t offer. I started Taekwondo. I’m still as excited and passionate about it as the day I began - I can’t imagine life without it. Training 4-6 days a week for over four years has changed me into a martial artist, and the focus, humility and respect which I have learnt have changed my world view.
With my active lifestyle I have always loved the outdoors, and have taken every opportunity to hike, bike, climb and canoe. With Scout and school camps, I had my expedition requirements for Bronze and Silver more than covered. Once I finished school however, and the time came for my Gold, I no longer had these cookie-cutter events to fall back on – I had to make the opportunities, not just take them! The Award gave me a ready excuse to meet people and make new friends, as I searched for people to join my hikes. Free to do it my way, I could even combine several of my loves, and do some taekwondo training during my expeditions (much to the amusement of another hiking party we met!). .JPG)
I found that the biggest challenge, however, was to fit service, something I always felt I should be doing, but had no time for, into a busy schedule. The open structure of the Award encouraged me to find a way to suit my personality and skills, not rely on a structured program to do the work for me. I played in a party band at charity events for my service section, and have never looked back. This, like all of the other award components, has slipped effortlessly into my lifestyle, and has become something I wouldn’t dream of stopping. It almost seems like ‘cheating’ – music, something I love, has become a way for me to help others and be involved in the volunteering community. Now volunteering is part of my life, something I do because I want to, for its own reward.
For me the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been a fantastic experience, encouraging me to be confident and proactive, to step out of myself and seek my own adventures. The flexible rules meant that I could achieve my Award by doing the things I love. Basically anything goes, but one thing is guaranteed – a whole lot of fun!
