Matilda Grant
Award Level:
Silver
Favourite memory of the Award:
My favourite memory of the award was getting to Cradle mountain summit. It was the culmination of a 9-hour hike including a 2-hour rock scramble to reach the summit, over 1500m above sea level. The view was absolutely astonishing, with views in all directions of the mountain range below. The feeling of success standing at the summit, having seen many older people turn back at one of the multiple false summits, was phenomenal.
Age:
14
Biggest challenge from doing the Award:
My biggest challenge from doing the award was the consistency with my physical recreation. Hiking and cycling are not necessarily scheduled activities, requiring more self motivation. Building the resilience to complete an hour a week, whilst also engaging in curricular activities, was part of what made the award so rewarding (and challenging!).
That, and cooking on my adventurous journey. Note to self: don't drown the noodles in soy sauce.
Country:
Australia
Have you continued any of your Award activities? If so, what:
I have continued all of my award activities! For physical recreation, I continue hiking with my family and bike riding. For skills, I am involved in my maths training programs and camps (105 hours of math camps over the school holidays). For voluntary service, I help out weekly in term time at the Before School Reading program I established and am setting up a Problem Solving Club in order to share my skills with the school community.
Tell us the story behind your photo:
This photo is of me standing at Point Danger overlooking the border of Qld and NSW. I'd woken up at 5.30am ready to complete my last Duke of Ed cycling hour, and complete the 42km goal I'd set at the start of the award. I ended up getting to 45km that day. It was an amazing experience, even though I fell asleep on the car ride home!
Award Role:
Participant
