I try to make life exciting by getting involved in various activities; in the past I volunteered in a conservation project in Italy as well as organised a fashion show at my school, an event that raised over £2700 for charity. I am a firm believer that anything is possible, regardless of what it is or who you are provided you put the effort into it ... which brings me onto Svalbard.

For a few years now I have been obsessed by the Arctic and Antarctic. When I heard that BSES organised expeditions to these remote regions I felt like applying. At the time however, I did not have the time or money to undertake such an adventure. When I heard they were organising a 3 month gap year project to Svalbard, I just couldn't resist applying. In a way, I am taking a year out to undertake this project as it means so much to me. Before applying however, I ensured I could find the £500 required as deposit to prove (mainly to my parents) that this wasn't a joke and that I intended to raise the money required for the expedition without their financial help (otherwise they would influence my decision on whether to apply or not). You can read more about my fundraising activities here.

Anyhoo, I applied and was then shortly interviewed. I received a positive answer two days later. I couldn't believe it because from that moment on my life was going to change. A few months ago, Svalbard was just a dream. But then I told myself that if I really wanted this, then nothing could stop me. Of course I am worried about not being able to raise the money, but I am fairly confident that with my fundraising ideas I will be able to reach my target.

Embarking on this expedition I believe is one of the (or simply THE) biggest thing I have ever done in my life. For 3 months I will be living with a group of strangers, disconnected from the outside world. There will be no access to electricity, hot water or internet, and mobile phones will be out of the question due to the lack of reception (sounds like Big Brother! which I will miss!). If we can survive these minor drawbacks, we'll still have to face nature at its most unforgiving: severe winds, sub-zero temperatures (in the region of -20°C) as well as the disorientating 24 hours of daylight. To top it all off, there will of course be the imminent dangers of polar bears and crevasses. Hearing all this, you may wonder why anybody would want to go there. I'll be honest, I'm terrified: but that's what makes this trip so exciting!

I do hope that going to Svalbard will be an unforgettable experience. But once its all over, what next? I would love to explore the Amazon and ultimately trek to the South Pole. Maybe those are just dreams for now, but then again anything is possible ;)

This website and its content has been created by Yann Rashid as a personal website for his expedition to Svalbard in 2006 and does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of BSES Expeditions.