Sarah Tipuric, a sixth former at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, has recently spent a week on work placement in the Brussels office of Jill Evans, MEP for Wales.
Sarah won this opportunity by entering Europe Direct Llangollen’s annual essay competition. Her essay, entitled, ‘If David Cameron held a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, what would you vote and why?’ gave a well-rounded and very reasoned argument on this topic, winning her first place in the competition.
Sarah wants to study languages at University, and her week in Brussels has given her an excellent insight into a multi-lingual working environment – the European Parliament, where she attended meetings and carried out research on topics from health to animal rights, including the hunting of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands, and food labelling.
Sarah hugely enjoyed her experience, and in the future would like to apply for an internship with the European Union Institutions. In the meantime she is concentrating on her ‘A’ levels, and applying for universities for a degree in languages.
“The work experience gave me a fascinating insight into the workings of the E.U and the role of Wales within the European parliament. During the week I had the opportunity to attend debates and committees on a vast range of issues which I found incredibly interesting and informative. The multi-cultural environment of the parliament has further encouraged me to pursue a degree in languages as it has demonstrated the importance and usefulness of multilingualism”
Jill Evans commented that : “It was great to have Sarah over in Brussels this week, and I really hope she enjoyed the experience…. I always encourage young people to take an interest in politics and welcome them to the European Parliament. We need Wales to have a strong voice and they are the voice of the future: our future in Europe.”
Europe Direct Llangollen will soon be inviting all 16-18 year olds across Denbighshire and Flintshire to enter our next essay competition, for a chance to take part in a trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in spring 2014. For further information contact [email protected], or visit the website at www.europedirectllangollen.co.uk
