Meeting the most powerful man in the world

Twenty-one-year-old Alex Reily of Ryton-on-Dunsmore was sent an invitation to see Barack Obama become the first US President to address members of both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall in London last week.

The former Lawrence Sheriff High School pupil had attracted the attention of the US Embassy after writing an essay on taking part in a satellite link-up with students from around Europe and Afghanistan.

Speaking after the speech, Alex, who is currently working as vice president of education at the University of Essex’s student union, said: “There was quite a bit of waiting for Obama to arrive, but it was just fantastic. I was in the second row so about ten paces away from him.

“It was incredible to hear him speak live. He is even more powerful in the flesh.

“The speech was very interesting because it set out a challenge for us to develop as a country and goals for us to go forward at a time when both our countries are cutting back so much.”

He added: “Mr Obama expressed himself with remarkable gravitas. It was an absolutely fantastic experience to be there.”

Not only did Alex get to see and hear Mr Obama speak, but he was also invited by Speaker of the House John Bercow, a fellow graduate of Essex, to attend an exclusive reception at the Speaker’s House with 150 guests.

Alex, who graduated from the university with a degree in English literature last year, will end his sabbatical role this summer, after which he plans to go on a work-travel trip to Australia.