Canadian Award Holders- Amy Spearman

 Amy started her Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award journey in grade 9 of high school, and completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards by the time she graduated high school as her class Valedictorian. Amy’s adventurous journey portions of her time in the program were completed by participating on international exchange programs in Chile for her Bronze Award, Italy for her Silver Award and Ghana for her Gold Award. She attended LEAD, an Award leadership summit (Created before Passion2Purpose) and received a leadership award for her creativity and innovation towards implementing community projects. 

The Award has had immense impact on shaping the young person that I am today, and for that I will forever be grateful. The Award empowered me to embark on a journey of experiential learning and taught me firsthand that life is one grand adventure full of discovery and wonder and personal growth. Having lived and studied in Chile, Italy and Ghana for my adventurous journeys, I can give credit to the Award for giving me the courage to expand my horizons and become a global citizen and multilingual in the process. 

These aspects have now become integral and proud parts of my identity, so much so that I am actually getting ready to embark on a yearlong work program in Spain as a Canadian Cultural and Linguistic Ambassador this coming September! I would certainly not be the worldly, independent and linguistically diverse young person I am today if I hadn’t participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program. 

Participating in the Award has not only positively affected my own life, but the lives of my community members as well, as I am humbled to have implemented two community grant projects on social topics of mental health, LGBTQ+ issues and environmental stewardship that were graciously funded and supported by the Award’s Passion2Purpose program. I would not have been able to put my ideas for social change into fruition if not for the support of the amazing Passion2Purpose staff and funding.  

My time in the Award has allowed me to come to the realization that experiential education and self-growth and positively contributing to my community are lifelong pursuits that do not end with the completion of the Gold Award…they are values that will remain guiding me my entire life, and in my opinion, that is the most beautiful result of being involved in the Award. 

Amy is currently a 3rd year student in Global Political Economy at the University of Manitoba. Prominent aspects of her identity include that she is francophone, pansexual, multilingual (communicating in English, French, Spanish, Italian and basic sign language) and she has lived and studied on four continents. In her community, she is a respected public speaker and young human rights advocate who strives to bring attention to youth involvement in decision making and the importance of global citizenry. Amy is honoured to be a WorldVision Youth Ambassador, a member of Manitoba’s Provincial Climate Council and a three time community grant recipient. 

Amy now promotes the Award throughout her school division and encourages other young people to sign up for the program and embark on an amazing journey of self-discovery and personal growth!

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