For those that don’t know me, i’m Hollie.

Why would i join the project?

Through this trip, we will employ local trades people and source local materials for rural communities to leave an ethical and sustainable impact on communities, wildlife, and the environment.

Who am I?

I’m a year 11 student at Dover Grammar School for Girls. Throughout my 5 years at the school i have jumped at any opportunity to have a little fun with my friends. So it didn’t surprise anyone when we’d already planned our outfits, photos, and instagram dumps after the first Costa Rica assembly. But as we dived deeper, it became more than just a “holiday”. It became the opportunity of a lifetime. It became the chance to give back to communities, and leave an ethical and sustainable impact.

An opportunity like this would give me the chance to showcase the skills i have built through my time at DGGS, and become the person i’ve always aspired to be.

From the age of 12 i have been a committed cadet at our local DGS CCF which has taught me valuable life lessons such as commitment, discipline, respect, and the determination to never give up. I have proved these skills during my cadet career and have had the opportunity to successful progress to one of the highest ranks in my contingent at this present time, a Staff Sergent. But this didn’t come easily, you have to learnt to combine communication, leadership and respecting other people ideas, which i am excited to share on this project.

I am a strong willed person, who though cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh bronze expedition, has demonstrated my strength and ability to power through emotional, mental and physical barriers that are thrown at me.

Most of all, i love being able to support and meet new people. One of the most powerful lessons ive learnt in life is that you should never be scared to make new friends and meet new people as it gives you the opportunity to learn, improve and understand new things. I love my family, friends and cadet contingent with my whole heart, and i believe that going on this trip will not only make them proud, but prove to them that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

But raising this money isn’t the only aspect of this learning curve. I must learn the reality of understanding that money doesn’t grow on trees and i’ll have to find a way to sell things or clean things to be able to reach this goal. And i must learn to overcome the fears i might face during the project such as the tarantulas or the sharks. But if that’s what it takes to become a better, stronger person, than that’s what i will do.

However, to have the opportunity to join the expedition and help the communities, i must raise around £5500, which is a large amount of money. But nothing is impossible. So i ask that if you are able to, please help me to reach my first goal of £1000, and in return, i aspire to help the communities and wildlife of Costa Rica in the summer of 2027.