Story
Inspiration through Exploration
Isla’s South Pole Expedition
IslaBurston.com
In 2027 I will be the youngest Scottish person to ski to the South Pole.
Before going through the Polar Academy programme last year anxiety meant I could barely leave my house.
I’m going to become the youngest Scottish person to reach the South Pole. I know this because Antarctica is somewhere I’m obsessed with. Not only do I crave to push myself in it’s harsh conditions, I’ve made it my ambition to reach as many people who are stuck in the situation I used to be in.
My life was about limitation, I couldn’t go a day without feeling immense fear. Now thanks to polar academy my life has flipped upside down, I will face any problem head on and I will do anything to get to the South Pole.
I’ve now had 300 incredible young people through the Polar Academy. However, every now and then a truly remarkable kid walks through our doors, Isla Burston being one of them. Rarely have I seen such resilience, bravery and kindness as I’ve seen in this young woman. Once in a dark place, she is now a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. I have absolutely no doubt that she will achieve her goal of skiing to the South Pole.
Craig Mathieson - RSGS Explorer in Residence and Founder of the Polar Academy
