Archie is 17, and is a Young Rep with Young Epilepsy. We asked him to imagine a day in the future that will mean something to him. He decided it was the day when he publishes his first book as a political theorist. The idea is rooted in his love of sharing experiences and learning from others.
He talks about how his first reaction to his epilepsy was anger and a lack of direction, but meeting a group of friends in his politics class gave him a sense of purpose through discussing political ideas. It shaped Archie’s love of ‘bouncing ideas around’, so his first book is something he hopes others will respond to and bounce around.
My dream day is...
Publishing day for my book explaining a new political theory.
I wake up in …
My house in London. I’m in my thirties. It’s 7am. I’m feeling ambitious. I’ve been working towards finishing this piece of writing at the university I’m working for. I’m a relatively worry-free person so I’m feeling good.
To get myself ready for the big day I …
Brush my teeth and get dressed. I’m not a big fan of formal clothing, so I’ll wear a jumper and a shirt, nothing fancy. I’m not a big breakfast guy, but I’ll drink plenty of coffee as I love coffee now. It’s a nice day, the sky is blue, which is good as it sparks my ambition and creativity. I pack a bag with my books, like Marx’s 'Capital' - I’m a big leftist - post-it notes, my laptop. I’m looking forward to getting down to work.
On my way I …
Listen to some Tupac while on the bus and train on my way to my university job in the politics or economics department. I’m feeling inspired. I won’t be driving because of my epilepsy. My mum texts to ask if I’ve taken my meds and I say to her um, yes, mum you’ve been asking me for the past 15 years.
My office is …
Tidy. I’m not the messiest person in the world. It has a nice bookshelf, a table with my laptop stand. Out the window I can see a bit of the London skyline, maybe a narrow view of the Thames, preferably Big Ben and parliament to get me in the political mood.
My first conversation of the day is ..
With my research partner. We talk about our days so far. Then we bounce ideas around. I’ve always enjoyed bouncing ideas off of other people. If I was going to write some kind of new theory or piece of literature in the future, it would be with somebody else, or with a group of other people, working cooperatively.
The moments that meant this day could happen are …
There was definitely a moment that changed my view on work and academia. Back in year 10, I was actually a very lazy person, and defensive when it came to study. I didn’t care about it much. I’d say a lot of that was probably down to my epilepsy, which I’ve had since I was 11. I was an angry person. But I realised this wasn’t really how I wanted to be. I was pushed down sets and I was like, no, I can do better than this. My parents were very supportive, they’ve always believed in me, especially when I didn’t believe in myself. So I got into a good sixth form, and one of the biggest turning points was becoming interested in Marxist and leftist literature. I met some friends in my politics class who were very much into that. They got me into reading this kind of thing.
I celebrate my day by …
Going out for a pint with the people I’ve devised the idea with. I’d call my dad and explain my idea and he’s proud. I listen to ‘A Good Day’ by Ice Cube on my way home.
Before I go to bed I …
Do a bit of gaming. A lot of people think that games in the future will be all about VR, everyone wearing their own headsets, but I don’t think that’s the case. Games will be bigger, with more content, and the graphics will be even more outstanding than they already are. I’m very much into storytelling games, probably something from Naughty Dog, a game producer. It’s got to be Chinese for dinner, chilli beef and wonton soup. And I’ll have a Guinness.
My standout moment from the day is …
The moment of realising my new idea as a book. The feeling of satisfaction from all the really hard work and seeing other people engaging with it.
The day means so much to me because …
I hope I really do get to do it - to devise a new theory. I’m thinking about how I’m going to get everything into the book, develop the structure of it and make it happen.
I’m very much someone who finds it hard to live in the present. So it’s actually very exciting to me to think about this. It’s made me think of everything I’m going to do in the next 10 years.
Politics is a battlefield, there’s never going to be one theory. So inherently there will be a mixed reaction to my book. But I’d hope that people in my particular field will see it as a very relevant piece of work. And that hopefully people like me, now, reading the works of other people, will be able to do the same with my work. A new idea to bounce around.
Since we spoke to Archie things have changed slightly for him. In his future day Archie talks about not being able to drive because of his epilepsy, but his circumstances have changed and driving is now possible for Archie. He has recently been classified as seizure free by his neurologist, and has just applied for his provisional driving licence!
