Name:
Adrian Patsalos
Age:
24
Why did you want to join the PYL youth Board:
London was the first place I felt at ‘home’. In South Africa I was the “Greek” and in Cyprus I was the “foreigner” since I was born abroad… In London, I was Adrian. Due to its diversity, London is home to people from with various cultural and religious backgrounds, therefore it took me no time to feel at home in London. However, things changed with the EU referendum in 2016. On June 24th, I was no longer Adrian, but the EU national, whose future to this date remains uncertain. Londoners mostly voted to remain in the EU, to embrace our outlooking ideals and continue being the welcoming city and nation that it is. Having represented a diverse student population in the past as the SU President at the University of East London (UEL), where students come from more than 120 countries, I have the experience of representing people from various cultural background, listening to their concerns and taking concrete action to address such issues. I want to contribute back to a city that has given me so much and I feel that via the PYL Youth Advisory Board I can do so.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently working with the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK towards a free and united Cyprus. Alongside, I’m an External Trustee at University of Salford Students’ Union and the Chair of their HR & Governance sub-committee, a Youth Board Member for Partnership for Young London and a Selection Committee Member for the European Students’ Union.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
The Labour Party (finally) supporting a People’s Vote.
How would your country change if everyone, regardless of age, could vote?
We would not be leaving the European Union and could focus on tackling other important issues such as the NHS, access to Education, homelessness etc.
Where do you get your news?
Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn and Apple News
What social stigma does society need to get over?
Mental Health. It’s OK not to be OK and its not something that will simply go away – people need help, support and understanding.
What is something you are proud of?
Having acquired a job where I can spend every day doing my bit to end the ongoing occupation of the beautiful island I’m from.