We Reap What We Sow!

by

Ryan Clement FRSA, barrister

IN THE UK, as we are about to enter a season of political rhetoric, soundbites and accusations (true and false), it was a pleasure today to speak in every class of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School & Nursery in North West London as part of its Careers Week, which finished today.

I BROUGHT MY COURT ATTIRE OF WIG AND GOWN (ROBE) with me, which some of the children tried on. This was clearly the first time that many of them had met a barrister in person and had asked me many interesting questions. For me, it was important that they did. I never had such an opportunity when I was their age. Meeting, let alone have the opportunity to chat and ask questions of, a barrister, writer, doctor, scientist etc. was unheard of. But, equally important, I was never told that I could aspire to become one. I don’t know why. I was too young and, furthermore, in those days, we were not encouraged to ask questions of adults unless given express permission to do so (by the same adults themselves!).

HOWEVER, the Headteacher, who was absolutely fantastic, and I made sure that these young, keen acorns knew that they could achieve/acquire any profession, trade, skill and much more if they so wished and desired to do so.

I WAS QUESTIONED by the children about becoming a barrister and writer. There were no prohibitions in asking me any question. In fact, the school/Headteacher and I encouraged and invited them to raise questions freely; and that they did! It was an absolute joy to meet these inquiring minds.

AS I SAID, despite the U.K. now being in political campaign season to see who would be the next political party to be voted into power and, in turn, who would be elected the Prime Minister for the next 5 years, a Member of the British Parliament, Dawn Butler MP, attended and gave a first class speech about her journey to becoming an MP. The MP for Brent Central, who at the last General Election in 2019 had a majority of 20,870, inspired the children to achieve whatever they set their minds on/to. She was absolutely brilliant. It was a pleasurable experience to witness each and every child being attentive, engaged and encouraged to achieve what their young hearts so desired.

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO FORGET that we adults and, on occasions, role models have their future in OUR hands and, in turn, they have OUR future in theirs! We shall only reap what we sow, NOW, so let us nurture those eager, hungry for knowledge and keen minds to create and have a bright and brighter future for us all and for all OUR benefit! 🪴

Copyright © Ryan Clement 2024