Living Big in a Small Community, Katie’s Award Story

Meet Katie, an Award achiever and Passion to Purpose alumni who has an incredible story to share. Katie is from a small town but didn’t let that hold her back from achieving big things.   

Meet Katie  

“My name is Katie Kelly, and I come from a small outport community in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. In July 2022, I attended Passion to Purpose, a youth leadership forum in Ontario, with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. I achieved the bronze level of the Award in May 2022 and am currently working on the silver level of the Award. When growing up in a small community, finding leadership and volunteer opportunities can be difficult. I love that I can complete the Award through the Virtual Award Centre.  

Starting The Award 

I have always loved participating in a wide range of activities, and I have always been passionate about volunteering. I heard about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through a family friend, and it caught my attention. I started the Award because it challenged me to explore my passions and hobbies further and step outside my comfort zone. I joined the Award by researching their social media platforms and discovering that even though I lived in a small community with no other participants, all I was required to do was join the Virtual Award Centre! 

The Passion to Purpose Forum  

The Passion to Purpose forum was a life-changing experience, and it is something I will never forget. It taught me many valuable skills that I can apply to my everyday personal and professional life and will also help me become a changemaker. The forum was filled with engaging workshops, activities, presentations, and speakers. The staff members of Passion to Purpose go above and beyond to create an atmosphere of belonging and make everyone feel included and welcomed. Passion to Purpose was a jam-packed week of creating memories, making friends, and building skills to help make this world a better place, one passion at a time, 

Networking during Passion to Purpose 

The most unexpected benefit of Passion to Purpose was building my network. I connected with many supportive individuals who offered to help with any future goals I wanted to accomplish. It is overwhelming to know that no matter where my future may take me, I have created a network of people willing to support, guide, and fulfill my passions and goals.  

When I applied Passion to Purpose, I was unaware of its impact on my life. I learned and developed crucial leadership skills. I had time to reflect and build relationships with people from across Canada and the United States, practice my presentation skills, build my network, fuel my passions, and create memories I will never forget. While it may seem frightening to travel to a new city all by yourself, you will feel anything but alone after attending Passion to Purpose. I would encourage everyone to apply for Passion to Purpose because no matter who you are or where you come from, there is a place for you, and the skills and knowledge you gain will forever positively impact your life.”
 

• Katie Kelly 

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