One of the things that excited me most about coming to the University of Glasgow for my MSc in International Relations was the opportunity to engage with real-world research and initiatives that go beyond the classroom. I had always enjoyed learning about diplomacy, governance, and political change during my undergraduate degree in Political Science, but I wanted to move from theory into action. From the beginning, Glasgow didn't just support this ambition, but actively encouraged it. 

The John Smith Centre

A key part of my journey has been my involvement with the John Smith Centre, which is housed within the University of Glasgow. The John Smith Centre's motto is the idea that politics matter and not just in theory. They work to inspire and empower new and diverse voices in politics, especially young people, by offering practical experiences, research opportunities, and public events that promote political participation as a force for good. This mission resonated with me immediately. 

One of my most memorable experiences was attending a live debate featuring Humza Yousaf and Michael Gove, two political figures from very different ideological backgrounds. The conversation, hosted by the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow, touched on everything from Scottish independence to COVID-19 policy and the Middle East. What struck me most was the respectful tone of the discussion and the shared belief despite their differences that politics has the power to change lives. I was particularly moved by Humza Yousaf's candid admission that, in the past, he had been too much of a crowd pleaser, a rare and refreshing reflection from someone in public office. It reminded me that authenticity matters in politics, and that self-awareness can be a strength, not a weakness.

These kinds of events are not just informative, they are empowering. They create space for students to learn, reflect, and imagine our own role in the political landscape. Through the Centre I've been able to listen to people who are passionate about public service and see firsthand how constructive dialogue can cut through the division. 

Entering the student video competition

Another highlight of my engage with the John Smith Centre was winning first place in their Student Video Competition. The challenge was to create a short, reel-styel video answering two question: Why is it important for more people like you to get involved in politics? and What needs to change if that's going to happen?

As someone who has studied Political Science, I saw this as an opportunity to channel my voice into something impactful. My video emphasised the importance of youth involvement, especially in societies where trust in political systems is declining. I also offered practical ideas for making politics more accessible to the new generation. It was incredibly rewarding to have my video recognised by the Centre for the first prize, and it reinforced my belief that storytelling can be a powerful tool for change. 

2025 UK Youth Poll

I've also closely followed the Centre's research work, especially the 2025 UK Youth Poll. I have been following it on their Instagram and was struck by how thoroughly it captured the voices of young people across the UK. Through interviews, focus groups, and a question survey of over 2,000 young people aged 16-29, the poll provided an insight into how younger generations view politics, democracy and their own futures. Some of the findings really stayed with me. According to the poll young people still believe in democracy, but 63% think it's in trouble. 

The John Smith Centre's work helped me to see the gap between people's lived experiences and the politics that claims to represent them. More improtantly, it highlighted the potential young people have to close that gap, if they're given the tools and encouragement to get involved. Winning the video competition, attending powerful conversations, and learning from national-scale research like the Youth Poll have shaped not just my academic journey, but also my vision for the future. They've shown me that politics isn't just about the power we mostly study, it's about the people. It's about building inclusive, transparent systems that actually reflect the communities they serve. 

 

First published: 19 May 2025

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