Last month, along with a group of 15 students from St Martin’s College Sixth Form, I travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels to participate in the first Youth Parliament. Over 700 students from all over Europe gathered to debate and vote on proposals that directly affect young people. All the students present will be voting for the first time in the European Parliament elections to be held in May.

With my fellow students outside the entrance to the European Parliament in Brussels.

I have always been fascinated about the mechanism and workings of the European Parliament, as well as the law-making decision process. The day started with rigorous security checks, after which we re-grouped and made our way to the hemicycle. Sitting in that striking auditorium filled me with awe for the work carried by the representatives of the individual Member States who regularly meet and directly impact the lives of the citizens of the EU.

We were then addressed by two MEPs who shared their experiences and motivations. Their speeches were inspirational and helped me to appreciate that in order to improve this globalised world one has to take a stand, not wait for others to act.

Meeting and debating with so many young people coming from different backgrounds and cultures made me realise that while there are differences, there are always unifying factors that should be worked upon to reach common goals for the common good.

While there are differences, there are always unifying factors that should be worked upon to reach common goals for the common good

All 700 participants were assigned to different working groups. We were given the opportunity to select the subject we felt most passionate about. This allowed us time to carry out research on our subject-area and to start putting together proposals for discussion. The topics discussed in my working group were how to attract and make rural areas more accessible to young people.

Rapporteurs for each group had to present the proposals of their groups which were then voted upon by all participants in the hemicycle. I experienced first-hand the voting mechanism and appreciated the power of democracy and the important role and responsibility shouldered by all parliamentarians.

I was chosen as a group representative. I put forward the group’s proposals to the 700 participants and my presentation was followed by a vote. The three groups that won most votes were given the opportunity to present their ideas to European Parliament Vice President Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso.

The ideas presented focused on promoting curiosity, self-development and responsibility through life skills classes, promoting a plastic-free approach as well as funding the removal of plastic from oceans and ensuring access to education and health to all children in Europe regardless of their status.

The day spent in the European Parliament gave me first-hand experience of the importance of empowering young people and getting them to become more active citizens in areas that not only impact them personally but which could also shape future generations.

This simulating and motivating learning experience was unique and extremely beneficial for both my academic as well as my social development.

Michaela Ellul is a Level 12 student at St Martin’s College Sixth Form.