Ethan
Youth Assembly Member
Although I collapsed exhausted after arriving home, the Youth Assembly’s Induction Day on 29 November was a phenomenal day which I will never forget!
After making it through security and up to Stormont’s Long Gallery, I sat down with a nearly full table of people, who were quietly munching mouth-watering sausage baps and jambons, not looking up at each other. After collecting some beautiful breakfast for myself, I got talking to the Legacy Youth Assembly Member (YAM) at my table. Although I already knew the Legacy YAM from school (he suggested I sign up for the Youth Assembly), it was wonderful to see him and enjoy some witty banter with him. We ended up getting the rest of the amazing people at our table to join in. As we got to know each other, share some jokes and laughs, play some games (and even debate each other), it showed me how fun these next two years are going to be. The Induction Day was a perfect view into our future as YAMs!
One of the activities we did on the first day included a discussion about what three items we would bring to a desert island out of a set list of options. The first item we chose was a First Aid kit -everyone agreed on it! Secondly, although some people had to be convinced, after some discussion, the second item we chose was a Swiss Army Knife. That was followed by some ‘passionate conversation’ about item number three! After a debate that was probably a wee bit too loud (sorry Lucy, Millie, and Sophie!) which got us officially branded as ‘the noisy table’, we eventually agreed on a fishing net as our final companion. This was an amazing first discussion and democratic decision between the YAMs!
Also, Lucy, Millie, and Sophie are some of the nicest and funniest people that I’ve met! So are all the other Stormont staff. Thanks for a class experience, guys!
Afterwards, we went for a tour around the building, guided by the absolute legend Marina! Although I don’t do History as one of my GCSEs, it felt like I was back in the classroom again with the knowledge imparted to us. For example, I never would have guessed that there was a bomb crater on the Stormont Estate! We got a few photos, went into the Assembly Chamber, and arrived back in the Long Gallery for what could have possibly been the most delicious lunch I have ever had: chicken goujons, curly fries, sliders with patties coated in Ballymaloe sauce, and much more!
After a bit of Big Youth Survey planning, it was time for us to leave. But this amazing event has kicked off a new chapter of my life and helped me make many new friends. I’m excited to see what else my Youth Assembly experience will hold!
