Hello, my name is Sarah Ann, and I represent Galway Comhairle na nÓg at the National Youth Assembly.

From finding my voice to advocating for disability awareness and young carers awareness, I’ve embraced every opportunity the NYAI provides. My passion for the Rural Youth Assembly reflects my commitment to ensuring that young people’s experiences across Ireland are heard and understood, no matter where they live. Along the way, I’ve built confidence, developed new skills, and formed wonderful friendships that continue to motivate me on my NYAI journey.

What started as a last-minute application led me to valuable Oireachtas work experience and a deeper understanding of the issues facing young people across the country. My experience has shown me that youth participation can truly make a difference in Irish society.

If you’re considering joining, my advice is simple: keep an open mind and seize every moment. “If you’ve never been to an Assembly, just go with an open mind. Pay attention, take it all in, and let yourself enjoy the experience, you’ll get more out of it than you expect.”