Being on the Big Change Youth Advisory Group was truly empowering, it never felt like tokenism where I’m just a tick on somebody’s checklist to include a young person’s perspective. It’s an unsettling feeling when people listen to you but you’re not seen or heard.
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Finding My Feet
I grew up deeply influenced by my mum’s work with the community in Newcastle. It ignited a spark in me, a curiosity about society’s challenges. I joined Big Change’s Youth Advisory Group when I was just 14, it was my first time volunteering in an organisation of this kind. Suddenly my world was not just Newcastle! I learned more about educational disparities across the country and globally.
Girls and other young people my age were struggling – raising siblings, and living in war zones – education, something I took for granted, was a distant dream for them. It made me realise the immense power education held, the key to unlocking a better future.
Taking Small Steps Toward Big Change
At Big Change, I got to engage with a range of organisations and get a deeper understanding of the issues they were tackling. I’m grateful for getting the chance to contribute to the Big Education Conversation initiative, from helping to develop the idea to feeding back on the design of the website. Witnessing hundreds of people around the globe now getting involved in these conversations is super rewarding.
At an event to mark the 10th anniversary of Big Change, I got to meet Princess Beatrice, co-founder of Big Change, and Charlotte Church, singer-songwriter and actress, which was inspiring. I and other members of the Youth Advisory Group led critical conversations about the purpose of education that covered a range of issues, from curriculum design to the level of government influence in education. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and experiences generated incredible conversations with inspirational people. I remember being extremely nervous at speaking in front of a big group of people much older than me. I used to second-guess myself and often ask myself if I was even speaking in the same language. But I’m thankful for the support I received, and the platform that I got to speak on. I felt seen, heard, and supported.
I have had to learn to balance school work and activism. Big Change’s support was unwavering, I had the space to move in and out of the work according to my schedule. My teachers were amazing too; for example by permitting me to attend events in London. I preferred to keep my activism a little private, to avoid negativity, and to compartmentalise different aspects of my life. I have often been described as “over-passionate”, “bossy,” and “opinionated,” but I prefer committed, decisive and strong-willed. I recently got my friend involved to join me in planning a Big Education Conversation in my local area. It feels positive to inspire other people to get involved in this work.
Being on the Big Change Youth Advisory Group was truly empowering, it never felt like tokenism where I’m just a tick on somebody’s checklist to include a young person’s perspective. It’s an unsettling feeling when people listen to you but you’re not seen or heard.
The Personal is the Political
Honestly, I’ve just always been, well, passionate. You know how some families have a rule of “no politics at the dinner table”? Not mine. My parents always encouraged those kinds of conversations, even when I was younger. I guess it rubbed off – I’ve always been pretty vocal about my opinions.
The increasing polarisation in society highlights the need for young people to be politically conscious. Social media has had a role to play in exacerbating this through its algorithms which curate content based on your likes and location, so you mostly see things you already agree with or experiences similar to your own. It’s a bubble- everyone is in their own bubble, and can often become desensitised to the media they see or are oblivious about it all together.
Just Getting Started
Education is a constant work in progress, and I’m determined to be a part of the solution. Our education system needs a serious update. It doesn’t reflect the rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds we see in Britain today. We’re a multicultural society, and our languages and traditions are constantly evolving. Young people deserve to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the curriculum.
Join Me!
If you’re looking to get involved, find your passion! Explore opportunities that ignite that spark. Building an online network on LinkedIn can be a great start. But don’t underestimate the local impact – youth groups, and councils – they’re fantastic ways to make a difference. And if there aren’t existing opportunities, create them! Be the change you want to see.
