The Impact of Seeking Personal Growth, Nathan’s Award Story 

Meet Nathan, a Gold Award Holder from Toronto, Ontario. Nathan has a passion for learning and growing, the Award has helped Nathan feel challenged to reach his infinite potential.   

Getting Started with the Award  

“My name is Nathan, and I am a 4th-year mechanical engineering student at York University and an active officer in the Canadian Armed Forces serving in the Cadet Instructor Cadre. I completed the silver level as a cadet and most recently achieved the gold level as an officer. I enjoy self-directed learning and have developed proficiency in playing several musical instruments, including the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukelele, and piano. Currently, I am focused on learning the alto saxophone. With a dedication to service and a desire to help others, I am committed to positively impacting society through my academic and military pursuits. 

Discover Infinite Potential 

Participating in the Award has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to push myself to new limits, develop my skills, and discover my infinite potential. The Award challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and push myself, teaching me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and hard work. By setting goals and working towards them, I gained a greater understanding of my abilities and potential and was motivated to continue striving for personal growth and achievement. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award has helped me to realize that I can achieve great things if I am willing to work hard and remain focused on my goals. 

Community Impact 

Participating in the Award program equipped me with the skills and experiences that have been valuable in my current role as a Canadian Armed Forces officer in the Cadet Instructor Cadre. My involvement in the program taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and hard work and gave me a deep appreciation for community involvement and service. As an officer, I can give back to my community by guiding and leading the next generation toward personal development, instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and respect. 

Passion for Learning 

My passion for learning new things has been a driving force in my personal development. I have pursued my interests enthusiastically, teaching myself how to play various musical instruments and challenging myself to develop technical skills such as computer building. By stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing my interests, I have gained confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of accomplishment, leading to personal growth and a greater appreciation for lifelong learning. 

Desire for Challenge  

Participating in the Award has profoundly impacted me, instilling a sense of accomplishment and a desire to challenge myself. Through the program, I have learned the value of perseverance and hard work, which has boosted my confidence and made me feel better about myself. This has translated into a greater eagerness to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities, cultivating a growth mindset and empowering me to pursue my goals with tremendous enthusiasm and confidence. 

Service Recognition  

Of all the accomplishments during my participation in the Award, I am most proud of receiving the COVID-19 Humanitarian Service Medal presented by Member of Parliament Shaun Chen in Scarborough North. This recognition holds special significance for me, as it represents my efforts to make a positive impact during the global pandemic. I worked diligently to support my community during this challenging time, volunteering to pack and deliver food to elderly seniors within my community and providing support to vulnerable populations. Receiving this medal has been a humbling experience and a testament to the power of service and community engagement. It has reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact and has inspired me to continue to give back to my community in meaningful ways. I am honored and proud to have received this recognition, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of service and the positive impact we can have on the world around us. 

Join the Award 

Based on my experiences, I highly recommend the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and the opportunity to impact their community positively. As a participant in the program, I have had the chance to challenge myself, learn new skills, and push beyond my comfort zone. This experience has been transformative, helping me to gain confidence, develop a growth mindset, and cultivate a sense of purpose and direction. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award provides a structured framework for personal growth and development, allowing participants to explore their interests, build their skills, and positively impact their community. I highly recommend the program to anyone seeking to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and make a meaningful contribution to the world around them. 

– Nathan, Gold Award Holder 

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