Would you like to go to Bulgaria?” I was asked by my
Police Cadet Leader. I was a slightly awkward and nervous teen, but in spite of
this I seized the opportunity and went on to travel to the other side of Europe
and experience a series of consequential events, that, two years later continue
to impact who I feel I am and what I do today. A strong and cliché filled
statement but one that shows why I am so passionate about being a
EuroPeer...and how I am a writing newbie!
Therefore, I jumped at the invitation to promote
international opportunities with fellow EuroPeers and Momentum World at the
National Volunteer Police Cadet Conference. It took place over the first
weekend of June and was set in Tulliallan, Scotland - a fairy tale perfect
location with eerily good weather.
The attendees were a blend of young leaders, Police
Officers of various ranks, volunteers and other youth invested organisations;
likeminded in that they all valued young people. It made for a warm environment
and we spent the first evening getting to know one another over a glass of
apple juice.
Saturday at 2pm was our slot to promote EuroPean
Opportunities. Each EuroPeer to share our own story, much like we had our
EuroPeers Website (http://www.europeers.uk ).
At 1.54pm I began to attempt to do some subtle power poses in my chair as I
waited for our turn.
Momentum World and fellow EuroPeers each gave unique
and insights into international experiences - I was feeling adventure ready and
inspired by my peers' words. Too suddenly it was my turn to speak; I looked at
the 200 hundred large audience with bundles of life experience and clutched
tighter on to the notepad that contained a few scribbled and illegible bullets
points. I wasn’t wearing my glasses, but I imagined the audience all to be
wearing beaming smiles, so I relaxed slightly, took a breath and shared my
story. My thought is that believing in our EuroPeers ethos and having
experienced what I was saying, all helped me to project this passion/stumble
over words excitably and find a momentary confidence to promote our cause.
As a team we hoped for the audience to feel what we
were saying and in turn go on to get involved with international opportunities,
whether volunteering on a project, creating a project or promoting
opportunities to their cadets. That Saturday evening - pre pub quiz, we held an
optional evening meeting for people to find out more...the room was full of
curiosity, ideas for cadet projects and energy - it was incredible.
I left the weekend feeling privileged to have been
able to share my experiences towards such a cause and moreover, overwhelmingly
excited for each cadet/young person that has international journey awaiting
them!
By Ellie Devereux
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