Building Confidence, Zhifan’s Award Story

“Hello! My name is Zhifan, and I am a high school student graduating in 2024. For my Bronze Award which I completed this year, I did drawing as my Skill, volleyball as my Physical Recreation, volunteering as my Service, and canoeing as my Adventurous Journey. You can probably figure out that I enjoy playing volleyball, drawing random objects, and participating in community service. Thanks to my school’s offering, I was able to achieve the Award alongside many friends. This photo is me and my friends volunteering with a reconciliation project.

Infinite Potential

I used to believe that there is a set amount of potential within oneself. However, the Award introduced the idea of Infinite Potential to me. Prince Philip, the founder of the Award, hoped youth could “discover the satisfaction of achievement [and] to find purpose and passion in their lives.” Because one must dedicate their time to activities for tens of weeks before completing their Award, I would certainly describe the Award as tedious but in a good way. Since it took much effort and time, I find my achievement to be noteworthy as well. Ever since completing this journey, every time I face a new challenge, I remind myself of the journey I took for The Duke of Edinburgh Award and motivate me to prevail. Moreover, my experience allowed me to learn two essential skills: communication and networking. I had to discuss with various parties for support and seek out opportunities constantly for my primary section, Service. My journey has definitely been a fruitful one as I have gained insights into several industries and my own mentality.

Nano Labs

I have created a YouTube channel called Nano Labs where I post STEM videos such as demonstrations of hands-on science experiments from my textbooks to teach scientific concepts. Feel free to follow me!

From a young age, I began dreaming about leading a team toward achieving a common goal. I had plenty of ideas, though I always needed more confidence to find an organization as I feared interacting with others. Nevertheless, after finishing a few goals for my Bronze Award, including drawing and volleyball skill improvement, I felt my self-confidence increase significantly due to accomplishing what I have set myself to do. Then, I began taking advantage of my community service time by contacting people in the organizations I volunteer for. Initially, I was the only one working on Nano Labs’ videos. But after consistent outreach, our team grew to five people, then eight, and more than 15. We then set up our departments for members to quickly focus on what they need to do. Currently, numerous individuals are running backstage to produce each experimental video. Nano Labs’s prosperity is a mirror that reflects each person’s hard work, perseverance, and creativity. I can now see myself as an inspirational leader with an increased confidence level who encourages self-exploration in many other individuals.

Why You Should Join the Award 

I strongly recommend The Duke of Edinburgh Award because it is an experience unlike anything one may encounter in their life. An individual can learn about the importance of persevering and working towards their goals. Furthermore, they are also encouraged to discover their Infinite Potential through several challenges this Award poses like this canoe trip I went on.”

Zhifan, Bronze Award Participant

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