This article comes from local student publication The Kingfisher, shared by Teddington Nub News partner Teddington School.

The Kingfisher has interviewed Teddington School alumnus Jack Lewis, Policy & Campaign officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Jack discussed his school memories, campaigning roles, and career pathway during the interview – even adding some tips for dealing with MPs along the way.

When asked what he remembered about his school years, Jack described the friendships he made, saying: "Two of my closest friends now, I met at Teddington." 

He also shared his memories of trying to sign up for DofE Bronze when he was in Year 9. 

It was much harder than it is today, as he was told by the school: "if you want a space come here at 8am". 

However, Jack hadn't realised how popular the scheme was as "some people had been queuing since 5 or 6 in the morning." 

This didn't stop him though, and he ended up doing his DofE with a local youth centre in Ham. 

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Jack was keen to share his own experience with the DofE scheme (Photo: Alex Parker)

Jack also shared how he thought that the volunteering, physical and skills building aspects of the award are very important, as you can do almost anything for them; they can help pave the way in developing skills or experience in something you'd like to do in the future. 

Jack went on to complete his skills section for DofE Silver with a TEDX-style talk at school, saying the "amazing experience" was one of the things that made school important for him.

Molly Tierley interviewing Jack Lewis (Photo: Alex Parker)

When asked if there was any part of the award that he would change, Jack shared that last year's introduction of an 'urban expedition' option for those with additional needs or mobility issues which helped make the award more accessible for all young people.

Giving some advice for Teddington students, Jack emphasised how important GCSEs and A-Levels are.

"It might be stressful right now, but afterwards you can go into incredible, incredible things," he said. 

He also said not to worry too much about your first job being 'the dream job', himself taking three different roles that helped him develop the skills and confidence that landed him his current job. 

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Teddington School are grateful to Jack for giving up his time to visit the school for this interview and to speak to politics students about his work for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.