What are you currently up to?
I am currently studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Law with BPP University. This term, I’ve been learning about Contract, Tort, Company, and Public Law. I find Public Law the most interesting aspect. The Patchwork skills session with Hogan Lovells on Judicial Review and the Rule of Law last year first interested me in public law. I am fascinated by the intersection of the legal and political spheres and look forward to exploring this further as my studies progress.
What’s cause you’re particularly passionate about?
I am passionate about welfare and support provisions for young people, especially those aged between 14 and 18. I personally struggled during this period and found that services offered by schools are not sufficient to support people going through this increasingly challenging age bracket. I am a volunteer with the Scouts and am a National Ambassador for Top Awards with the Queen’s Scouts Working Party. Our aim is to publicise the awards framework within Scouting; including the Duke of Edinburgh’s, Chief Scout’s, and Queen’s Scout Awards. It is important that award frameworks are flexible and able to adapt to the often-unforeseeable challenges faced by 14-18 year olds. At that age, I found the structure of working towards small, achievable goals, which contribute to the final award, a helpful way of channelling my efforts towards a positive purpose. If one more young person finds these awards supportive then my efforts will be worthwhile.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be working as a solicitor in the public law sector. I intend to still be volunteering with the Scouts and Patchwork having made a recognisable impact on the wellbeing and outlook of young people. In an ideal world, my working and voluntary life would be aligned in achieving these goals.
Why did you apply to Patchwork and what did you get out of the experience?
I applied to Patchwork without any expectation of success. I had read about the scheme on-line and it sounded like a fantastic way to improve my understanding of UK politics and further my personal and professional development. My experiences prior to Patchwork had involved small groups and Patchwork’s cohorts offered me an opportunity to experience working with larger teams. None of us could have expected the pandemic or its impact on working practices. Without Patchwork, I would have been rudderless for the last year, especially after my Master’s studies came to an end. It was wonderful to make new connections as the rest of the world was shutting down. Patchwork demonstrated to me that I have an aptitude to be a lawyer. I had not previously thought I could be a lawyer but the skills sessions offered during the Masterclass Programme gave me an understanding of some of the realities of legal scenarios. I found the tasks intriguing and ‘within my wheelhouse’. My main benefit from the Masterclasses is that they have given me the direction for the next stage of my life.
What advice would you give to this year’s Patchworkers?
Enter every session with an open mind, having done your prep. You cannot foresee where the programme will take you when you start so don’t try. Leave your preconceptions behind, inspiration will come from the most unlikely of places. If you see a session advertised and don’t think it’s for you, go for it! Enjoy the experience and be open to every opportunity as it comes your way, what you find will surprise you!
