Questions and Answers (October 11, 2004)

Q: [from Bobby] Hi Claire, what kind of music do you like?

A: Hi Bobby, I like all kinds of music but I don’t like pop music at all! I learnt to play the piano when I was younger and so I love anything with good piano playing in it. I really love to dance so I like anything with a good beat – I have no shame on the dance floor!

Q: What is it like to be a volunteer at ActionAid. Is it fun?

A: Being a volunteer at Action Aid is in my top three of best things I’ve ever done. It is fulfilling, interesting and has helped me map out the direction I want to follow when I get older. Our world is full of injustice and I feel as though the only way that I, as one person, can make a bit of difference is to put time into finding out more about what’s going on in the world and how I can contribute to possibly making it better. I’ve met some AMAZING people along the way and been given fantastic opportunities and experiences. Is it fun? Its so much fun, I have pretty much enjoyed every second!

Q: [from Jenny] What is the best article you've ever written?

A: Hi Jenny, That’s such a difficult question! I definitely enjoyed being the youth reporter for Reading – a music festival – because I got to meet bands, listen to great live music and have a good dance and then I got to write about what a fantastic time I had there! But the most interesting article I’ve ever done was when I interviewed two Iraqi refugees who now live in Manchester. Meeting them was such a moving experience and it reminds me why I truly care about other people regardless of how far away them and their problems are.

Q: [from Robert James] Hello Claire. What job do you want to do after university?

A: Hello Robert, If I’m very honest, I have no idea what I want to do! I love to write and my course at university is helping me get better at that. I do like the idea of being a journalist one day but the industry is very difficult and doesn’t have a very good reputation! No matter what though I’d like to be helping people. If I can bring together those two things – like I do with Action Aid now! – That would make me very happy. Failing that I’d like to sing and play the piano – I’m always going back to the music, aren’t I?!

Q: [from Sonia] Do you have a favourite colour, and why

A:Hi Sonia, I like many colours – I don’t really like orange though because I can’t wear it, it doesn’t look very nice on me! I think my favourite colour has to be green because it’s the colour of trees and nature – something that is so important and doesn’t have to try to be beautiful.

Q: [from Sandeep] What's the best place you've ever been to?

A:Hi Sandeep, I’ve been to lots of lovely places but I think I love Mauritius the best. It is where my parents are from and where most of my family live. I have only been there a few times but it is so different to England and so beautiful. There’s so much happening in such a small place, the landscape is fantastic and the people are great. But I love London and want to stay here and maybe work here in the future.