A teenager is considering a career in politics after spending International Women’s Day shadowing Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter .
Dervisa Draganovic was put forward by her teachers at William Morris Sixth Form for the opportunity because of her exemplary grades and attitude to school life.
Mr Slaughter led the 16-year-old through the normal day of an MP, which Dervisa soon discovered was anything but boring. They started by attending a disability awareness event at a school for autistic children, Snowflake School in Earl’s Court, then went to a justice debate, followed by a meeting with women working in politics and a tour of parliament.
The A-level politics student was unsure about embarking on a career in politics but, having experienced the day in parliament on Thursday last week, she is now considering it.
“I was really surprised at how much an MP does,” she said. “Shadowing Andy has been great and has made me realise MPs have more roles than an average constituent would think. I didn’t know they went to so many events and put in so much effort. It’s made me want to go into politics more now.
“I asked so many questions because it was so fascinating. I think all young people should have more experiences like this because it really opened my eyes.”
Dervisa is now going to give a presentation to students at William Morris in St Dunstans Road, W6, about her day in parliament.
