Taylah May
Award Level:
Gold
Favourite memory of the Award:
One of my favorite memories of this Duke's trip was walking down an incredibly steep hill (the 15 or so kg packs made it even harder not to roll down the hill), my best mate slipped on some loose ground and grabbed onto me to find some stability, she managed to save herself while sending me tumbling down until I could get my own grip. I got to walk away with scratches and bruises that had a story to tell. I think that is one of my Duke's highlights that I still reflect on regularly.
Age:
16
Biggest challenge from doing the Award:
Honestly, the biggest challenge that I faced with taking on the Award was fitness and drive to get things that look 'too hard' done. But, I persisted, and now I can say with pride that I have completed two 15 km hikes out of my pack, and two almost 80 km canoe journeys (with all my kit on board). I now love hiking and almost anything outdoorsy you can throw in my direction.
Country:
Australia
Have you continued any of your Award activities? If so, what:
I have continued on with my sports aspect of the Award. I now train once to twice a week in Archery, I currently shoot a 26lb recurve bow, and my discipline at the moment is barebow.
Tell us the story behind your photo:
Although nothing makes this photo stand out from all the others you see of the natural world, it holds a special place in my heart. This photo is from my first ever Duke of Ed Qualifying Journey (Bronze), we hiked with all our kit on our backs for three days and lived out of them, they were our new temporary homes. I think I have a soft spot for this particular moment in time as it was a genuinely challenging task that I was able to overcome with the encouragement of my group leaders and a group of close mates that I grew even closer with and in such a short period of time.
Award Role:
Participant
