Youth Parliament update
Samantha Jordon MYSP was elected to the Scottish Youth Parliament last year and took up her new role in March 22. Until this summer, she was a Lance Corporal in the Army Cadet Force, but will be leaving this month to take up a Retail and Catering Apprenticeship with CalMac.
Samantha turns 18 in September and lives in Benbecula.
How life as an MYSP been?
My first six months in office have been amazing! Between getting to meet my fellow MSYPs and the staff, being given amazing opportunities and starting to work on various projects, I’ve loved every bit of it.
I’ve been really inspired to make changes and now that I’ve been in SYP for a good amount of time, I’ve really gotten the feel for how to do that. It makes me so happy to know that I have the support system that will help me make the changes that will help young people.
What has been the highlight?
There’s been so many! If had to pick one thing, it would be the summer sitting which happened at the start of July in Cumbernauld. I finally got to meet so many of my friends that I’ve made since being elected. I got to be part of a debate around members motions and to learn more about our board members. I got to have a session with MSYPs from our Region, Highlands and Islands. And I just had the best time. I was so sad to leave.
How does it all work?
So the way that the Youth Parliamentary System works is that there are MSYPs from every local authority, though some may not have an MSYP if no young person stood for the position. We have a board that is made up of a Chair, a Vice Chair and six trustees. We have ten subject committees, and each committee has a Convener and Deputy Convener.
Are you on any committees? And interest groups?
I am a member of the Equalities and Human Right committee, which means so much to me because I have always been a fighter for equality, since I can remember. I am also a member of Creative Communications Team (CCT) and the Youth Ethics Advisory Panel (YEAP). But I am constantly applying for every opportunity that I can – I want to get as involved in as many things as possible!!
What issues will you be working on?
I’m currently in the process of putting forward a members motion for SYP78 on getting air fare that is actually affordable for young people between the Scottish Isles and the Mainland. This is such a big problem for young people at the moment, especially for Islanders.
It is ridiculous how expensive it is to fly to the mainland! Living on an island, it can be so isolating for people, especially young people who end up missing out on so much due to our location. This is a topic I am extremely passionate about.
What have you learned?
I have learned so much since becoming an MSYP. I’ve learned just how many things still need changed for young people. I’ve learned how important it is to make sure your social media posts are accessible, by using alt text or closed captions – it means that everyone can properly see your content, which is so important. And I look forward to learning so much more that can help me, not only in my role but also in everyday life.
What has surprised you the most about yourself?
I think I’m the most surprised about how outgoing I’ve become. Since joining SYP I’ve noticed I can now go and speak to people without getting too anxious, which I think is such an amazing skill to have earned. I started my journey with really bad social anxiety, but as I’m answering this I’ve come to realise that thanks to SYP my social anxiety isn’t as bad. It still affects me but it’s gotten so much better.
How have you kept in touch with your constituents?
I like to post on my social medias (Sam4syp) to make sure that young people can see what I’m up to and so that they can give me suggestions and ask me any questions. I also consult my constituents by using google forms, which I post the links to on my social medias.
What would you say to other young people reading this?
Even if you think it’s not cool, or not your problem, please work with us. If we post a consultation, fill it out, it takes less than 5 minutes. We do our role to make a difference for you, so help us, because I don’t think you realise how much your opinion matters.
