AFTER years of giving back, two Girton Grammar School students have been recognised on an international level.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sophia Ginis and Carina Griffin have received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award for choosing to challenge themselves by signing up to the three-year youth development program.
In that time, the students used their participation in the award to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Sophia said undertaking Duke of Edinburgh encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone.
"Through the award, I have travelled to countries all over the world, met new people, and searched for adventure," she said.
"I have become more aware of social injustices, issues faced by people globally, not just in my small local community, and the best way to support others and myself in making change."
Carina said it helped her stay engaged in her community and sport and exposed her to new skills.
"It can be easy to skip a week of activities if you're feeling tired but having a formal record of your commitment in the form of an award is such a boost for motivation," she said.
More education stories:
"I wouldn't say I'm done finding my place in the world yet, but the Duke of Ed is something concrete that I know I've achieved and am capable of - it reminds you of how far your own dedication can go."
While all sections of the program are designed to challenge participants, one element is usually a stand-out in terms of difficulty for a range of sometimes surprising reasons.
Carina was surprised by what became her biggest challenge.
"I'm a keen hiker and camper, so going into the adventurous journey component of the award was definitely what I was looking forward to most, but it ended up being the trickiest part," she said.
"During lockdowns it was impossible to complete this component so I spent a lot of time waiting around and feeling frustrated and stuck, worried that I wouldn't be able to finish the award before the end of Year 12.
"Eventually camping was allowed again and I completed my last two trips, one where I led a group of my friends, who aren't campers at all.
"It ended up being a great break from Year 12 for us all and a lot of fun, but when obstacles arise that stop you from completing certain bits of the award it's important to focus on what you can do, and to remember there's nothing wrong with taking longer to finish than you thought you would."
The girls said they could not recommend the program enough.
"The biggest reason I would recommend undertaking Duke of Ed is that it forces you to step outside your comfort zone and discover new things about yourself. To complete the award, you have to branch out from your daily life," Sophia said.
Carina said the Duke of Ed is more than something that simply looks good on a resume.
"It can be easy to discredit yourself and underestimate your own engagement, but I'd encourage everyone to check the award out, even if only because you might already be doing activities that could contribute toward earning the bronze, silver or gold award," she said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News