Two young Bermudian women who embraced the challenge of transformation have been awarded recognition by Raleigh Bermuda.

“I learnt that I’m a lot stronger than I perceived,” said KyAsia Scott-Fishenden, 22, who was bestowed the Michael J. Spurling Award — while Jordyn Ming, the 19-year-old recipient of the Malcolm K. Outerbridge Transformation Award, said she had become “very humble with myself — but yet not afraid to take the extra step”.

The self-development offered at Raleigh is “unique”, executive director Tina Nash said.

Outside the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Raleigh offers the island’s main programme for 17 to 24-year-old Bermudians to go out into the world, and put themselves to the test.

All Raleigh volunteers are already alumni, which is where project managers like KyAsia and Jordyn fit into the Raleigh community.

“Our alumni are best placed to be our mentors,” Ms Nash said. “They have the passion, the knowledge and the expertise.”

At the Raleigh programme’s graduation ceremony in June, KyAsia was nominated by Ms Nash, while Jordyn’s name was put forward by her peers.

The $500 grants are sponsored by Mr Spurling, who founded Raleigh Bermuda and Deloitte.

Discovering Raleigh five years ago, KyAsia was impressed by “the feeling of community, of being around people you love and appreciate”.

“I was craving that change, and last year it was time to do it,” she said — and found it in the 2016 Borneo expedition.

KyAsia is set on taking other Raleigh journeys, which she will have to fund herself, as well as taking on the role of project manager. The Spurling award is given to a participant who proves themselves as an engaged volunteer and advocate.

Ms Nash said: “This has been KyAsia’s first time as a project manager in our camp, in the challenging situation of being a leader.”

Meanwhile Jordyn said she had grown intrigued after hearing of Raleigh when Ms Nash visited CedarBridge Academy.

“I wanted to change myself, get a better understanding of who I was,” she added. “It was perfect for me.”

Last year’s expeditions found Jordyn in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. She returned to become a project manager for other Raleigh venturers.

“It was pretty nerve-racking when I first got out there; it was very rural, and I wasn’t used to that,” she recalled.

“Out there, people are happy with very little. It was a different perspective. I learnt from it. It was a challenge sometimes, especially in the trek, which is where you find out who you are, and your strengths. It’s physical and mental at the same time, and I learnt that I am a strong-minded person.”

Like KyAsia, Jordyn hopes to take her journey farther next year, in Nepal.

“This is the added challenge for them,” Ms Nash said. “They have to become self-funding. It’s a big responsibility.”

Asked what they would tell others contemplating taking the plunge, KyAsia replied: “Do it. You never know until you try.”

Jordyn added: “Don’t limit yourself. Take that extra step. And be open to that new experience.”