I am Bethan, a typical year 11 student at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, and I want to be a Member of Youth Parliament! I like to talk, but I also like to listen. I am not afraid of expressing my opinions, and definitely able to express yours just as well. I try my best to be friendly and approachable, and whoever or wherever you are, to me you’re always worth listening to, because I think that every young person out there has at least one idea that could make the world a better place. I’m confident, too, I can argue, and talking in public doesn’t phase me in the least. In fact, almost nothing scares or worries me much. I’m quite a happy person, and I’d like the make you a happy person, too! I’m a pretty open book as a person, and I think it’s that quality that really makes me a brilliant candidate for becoming an MYP:

I am particularly keen on three issues: Free Public Transport for young people Support for students in school Bridging the gap between generations Free Public Transport for young people Sick of the extortionate fees you have to pay every time you want to go out, even just on the way to and from school? So am I. Here’s my main argument: OAPs, many of whom cannot drive, get free bus passes: what about the under 18s who also cannot drive, why don’t we get free transport too? In fact, under 16s legally can’t get a job, and many 17 and 18 year olds are still in education with no time to earn extra money. How are we supposed to be able to afford to travel anywhere? Not to mention anyone in the awkward area being forced to pay adult fares. I will campaign for subsidized, and maybe eventually, free public transport for young people. Support for students in schools Left feeling under pressure and helpless with a lack of emotional and even academic support from your school? So am I. Although it seems schools are getting a little bit better at this, most students are still left without the support they need to do the best they can in schoolwork and exams. With increasing pressure on schools from the government to get this percentage of passing grades and that fraction of people going on to further education, no wonder we’re left feeling as if we’re nothing but statistics. I will campaign for less focus on merely the grades and stats (to a realistic extent), and more of a focus on the wellbeing and happiness of us, the students: after all, a happier student is more likely to work better, and if they work better, they get better grades. Bridging the gap between generations My second issue is the generation gap: I strive to remove prejudice and discrimination between generations, and truly bridge the gap between the older and younger people of this country. In both camps, there are views, unjustly held against the supposed “enemy”. Especially in the media, the term “yob culture” is over used, labeling the majority of us as binge drinkers, law breakers, thugs, and generally dangerous, when this is actually only true of a minority. Even the simple statement “Exams are getting easier” is an insult to the young people of this country: did nobody stop to think maybe, young people are actually getting smarter and working harder? Being a student in year 11 doing my GCSEs, it makes me doubt it is even worth trying at some points if my efforts are simply going to be blamed on easier exams rather than my own determination and intelligence. I want the adult world to see how mature, intelligent and responsible the youth of today is, to realize that we as the up and coming generation are actually worth something.

I have no fear! Interviewing people in the streets? No problem. Outlining issues to a group of powerful and influential adults? I’d jump at the chance. Writing and giving a ten minute speech in front of 300 complete strangers? I’m the girl for the job. I will listen to you; I will use my voice to give those without a voice of their own a chance to get their ideas heard; I will do anything and everything necessary to change your city, perhaps even your country, for the better.

So, if you’re unhappy with your country…