While stuck in isolation Ryan has decided to focus his energy of improving his guitar playing for his Skills and his fitness by cycling for his Physical Recreation. See a video of him playing the guitar below.

How did you find out about the Award 

I heard about the Duke of Ed through my Family. 

Why did you decide to do the Award? 

I aspired to be more independent, and I loved the idea of learning leadership and life skills that I could utilise in other areas of life. 

What activities are you doing for your Award? 

Voluntary Service - Bushcare
Skills - Guitar
Physical Recreation – Cycling 

What sort of challenges are you facing in your day-to-day life, as a result of COVID-19? How has this impacted you? 

I am no longer able to go on group rides with my friends to local lookouts. This is how we usually hang out outside of school as we are a very active social group. 

I am unable to attend my service activity as Bushcare has been cancelled until further notice. 

Learning from home has its challenges of motivation and concentration as there are so many more ways to get distracted in a home environment. 

Is the Award helping you deal with any of these challenges? If so how? 

The Award has provided an escape through my Skill and Physical Activities. I now play my guitar more than I ever have, and I ride 20km every day in an effort to become more fit. 

Have you had to adapt your Award activities as a result of COVID - 19? if so, how? 

I am currently unable to attend my Voluntary Service and have opted to wait it out and return to Bushcare as soon as it reopens. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about your time doing the Award? 

The Duke Of Edinburgh's International Award has been life-changing. I am now inspired to travel the world and experience the natural wonders that saturate earth, and experience the love of all cultures. The adventurous journey has inspired me to hike through the Scandinavian countries after I complete my HSC. The physical has inspired me to complete an endurance challenge on the bike, such as ride from one side of Australia to the other. Without the Award, I would not have had these ambitions.