A Journey Through Law, Culture, and Self-Discovery: Where It Might Lead

I’m Laiyba Rashid, from London, but currently on exchange in Italy studying law, and life here couldn’t feel more different. London is fast, loud, always moving. But here, in a small Italian city, everything slows down. People recognise each other. There’s a sense of familiarity in everyday life, It’s quieter, more personal. And in its own way, comforting. Still, no matter how beautiful it is, it’s not home. And I’ve definitely felt that. I miss my friends, the chaos of London, the feeling of being surrounded by people who know me best. That’s why the thought of landing in Istanbul and seeing some of them again feels less like a simple reunion and more like a moment I’ve been waiting for. I can already picture it; the pure excitement waiting at the gate for them. Studying law was never a random choice for me. I chose it because of how many directions it can take you in. It’s one of those degrees that doesn’t box you in; instead, it opens doors you didn’t even know existed. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would be drawn not just to the law itself, but to everything surrounding it: the politics, the international relations, the bigger global conversations. Less about black-letter law, and more about how law is actioned in the real world. Through DEN, that interest has only grown stronger. It’s pushed me to think beyond what’s written in textbooks and towards how those ideas actually play out globally. And because of that, I’ve been given the opportunity to attend TIMUN 2026 in Tashkent. something I’m genuinely so grateful for. This will also be my first Model United Nations where I’m not part of the P5, which makes it even more exciting. I’ll be representing Armenia (a country with a complex geopolitical position, particularly in relation to regional conflicts and questions of sovereignty, which makes it especially interesting to explore in a diplomatic setting). It’s a completely different perspective from what I’m used to, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of stepping into that role. But if I’m honest, this experience is about more than just the conference itself. It’s about the people. I’m excited to connect more deeply with others in DEN, even those I haven’t had the chance to properly speak to yet and also to meet students from all over the world. Knowing that people are coming from places like Japan and India makes it feel like this is more than just an academic event; it’s a space where perspectives genuinely collide and expand. Before Tashkent, we’ll be spending 20 odd hours in Istanbul and I already know I’m going to make the most of every second. Whether it’s drinking Turkish coffee, attempting to read my fortune from the cup, or just taking in the atmosphere of the city, it feels like one of those experiences you fully lean into. Even if it’s only for a short time, I want to be present in it. And then comes Tashkent. The heat, the culture, the energy of being somewhere completely new. Italy may have prepared me slightly, but 32-degree weather in Uzbekistan feels like a different experience altogether. I’m especially excited about the activities planned, particularly horse riding, which has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s those small, unexpected moments that often stay with you the longest. More than anything, I think this trip represents a shift for me. A step further into understanding what I might want my future to look like. If I hadn’t taken the chance to be part of DEN, I don’t think I would have discovered this interest in the international side of law so clearly. Now, it feels like something I genuinely want to explore, not just academically, but as a possible path forward. And maybe that’s what I’m most excited about. not just where I’m going, but what it might lead to. Right now, everything feels like it’s building up to something. And I keep thinking I’ll want to remember this exact feeling.

Laiyba Rashid