Becoming an Ambassador, Misimi’s Award Story

I had the pleasure of meeting Misimi, who has an inspiring story of participating in The Award during the pandemic, I am excited to share her story. 

Starting The Award 

Misimi realised the value of consistency in reaching her goals after completing the Bronze Award. She has progressed and become skilled in activities by completing a minimum of one hour per week in each Skill, Service, and Physical Recreation as well as participating in an Adventurous Journey.  

Misimi began the Bronze Duke of Ed Award amongst her peers in Fall 2020 to fulfil the school requirement. As a new student at Appleby Collage, she didn’t know much about The Award compared to the returning students. This did not deter her from getting started immediately; in fact, she was eager to do so. Misimi appreciated the logging process and used the Online Record Book to keep track of her activities. She was able to quickly determine whether or not her original goal was on track to be accomplished and if it was in line with her progress. Consistency was also aided by the logging. Misimi benefited from the extra help provided by Award Leaders and Duke of Edinburgh Award Ambassadors at school, and she went on to become an Ambassador after completing Bronze. 

SMART Goals 

Misimi learned how to develop SMART goals, or Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound goals, because of The Award. Misimi has been encouraged to be ultra-specific when defining objectives using this framework, which gives a clearer route for accomplishing goals. Misimi enjoyed keeping weekly records since it served as a journal for her progress. Misimi valued the ideals conveyed by the award and enjoyed the process of completing it. 

“I appreciate the impact of the Duke of Ed Award in my life as it helps encourage me to make a difference in my community, pushes me to discover my passion for new activities and helps me learn how to work towards my goals over the long term.” 

• Misimi  

 Virtual Adventurous Journey  

Misimi finished The Bronze Award during the pandemic, her possibilities for Adventurous Journeys were limited. During the summer, Misimi took part in a Virtual Adventurous Journey with her classmates. This experience allowed her to develop collaborative skills as well as gain practical skills like how to address medical problems while hiking and how to set up a tent. Before and after planning sessions, the group would individually exercise their bodies for at least 20 minutes to promote physical activity. The Virtual Adventurous Journey concluded with a 3-hour hike around the neighbourhood. Misimi also learnt how to prepare basic meals that could be replicated on a future Adventures Journey. The group encouraged one another over a group chat and offered each other support and updates throughout their personal journeys.  

The Silver Award  

Misimi was so excited by her Bronze experience that she chose to pursue Silver. She has now chosen to shift some of her hobbies in order to broaden her skill set. She’s learning computer programming as a new talent, and she’s using the Online Record Book to stay organised and accountable. Misimi has been appointed as a Duke of Edinburgh Ambassador for the Service component. As an ambassador, Misimi assists students in completing their awards by answering questions and providing guidance during a weekly session offered in person and via TEAMS on Wednesdays, Misimi is able to help with questions, registrations, and use her Award as an example.  

Misimi has been motivated to stay committed by the Bronze Award, and she is looking forward to her approaching Adventurous Journey with peers to Lake Temagami. Misimi is looking forward to the numerous hikes in the snow, cooking food, fetching water from a frozen lake, and sleeping in quinzee snow castles on this winter adventure. This will be Misimi’s first experience, and she is looking forward to learning new abilities and sharing them with others. 

This is only the beginning of Misimi’s Award journey, we are excited to see her continue being involved as an Award Participant.  

Stay tuned to hear about Misimi’s Winter Adventurous Journey! 

Click Here to register to become a Participant.  

Shelan Emre  

Shelan is an active member of her community who is committed to making a positive impact. She is pursuing her Commerce degree at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. Her Award accomplishments include being a Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Achiever, Award Leader, Passion to Purpose participant, grant recipient, and Speaker, as well as working with The Award in Canada as an Award Specialist and in Marketing Communications. 

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