A third-year International Relations student on discovering DEN through a friend, helping organise the Hong Kong students event, and the confidence that comes from being asked to speak
Hajar Zaher, third-year BA International Relations, University of Westminster, United Kingdom
Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network.
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How did you first come into contact with DEN?
I first came into contact with DEN through a friend who was already part of the community. They invited me to attend one of the sessions, and I really enjoyed it, so I continued attending.
Which DEN activities have you taken part in?
Blog writing, blog reviewing, and helping to organise and support an event for students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?
A particular moment that has stayed with me was seeing how open and welcoming everyone was during the discussions around the blogs. It made me feel comfortable sharing my thoughts, and listening to different perspectives.
What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest impact DEN has had on me is helping me develop my confidence and my social skills. It has encouraged me to engage in conversations and discussions that I might have been hesitant to join before.
How has DEN helped you develop personally?
DEN has definitely helped me improve my social skills. I still think I have room to improve when it comes to public speaking, but being part of DEN has made me much more comfortable speaking up, and expressing my ideas in front of others.
Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?
Yes, it has. Through activities like blog writing, reviewing, and helping with events, I have developed skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, and critical thinking, which I believe will be valuable in my future career.
What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?
DEN has given me a real sense of community at university. It is a space where people come together to discuss different opinions and topics openly, while also feeling connected in what can sometimes be a very fast-paced university environment.
What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?
I would encourage them to join. It is a really great experience, and it helps you develop a lot of useful skills, while also allowing you to meet new people and become part of a supportive community.
What would you say to a colleague at another university?
I would say that DEN is a welcoming and supportive community that gives students opportunities to share ideas, develop their skills, and connect with people from different backgrounds.
Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?
Personally, I do not have any major suggestions for how DEN should change. I think it has created a positive and supportive environment, and I hope it continues to do that in the future.
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Photo caption: “A proud moment celebrating the achievements of the DEN community. Thankful to have been part of such a supportive and inspiring journey.”
