The DEN event at the University of Westminster provided an unforgettable and empowering experience that will remain with us beyond the event day. The event gave us an extraordinary chance to present our “Pledge One Thing” initiative to a mixed audience of professional experts and diverse attendees beyond classroom walls. Our presentation encounter with university students, academic staff and teachers encouraged us to grow while reminding us of the practical value of our classroom work.
The experience of presenting at the conference developed our skills in ways that surpassed our initial expectations. We learnt to develop our confidence while enhancing our public speaking abilities, while learning about the extensive potential impact of our work. On the stage, we clarified the main goal of the “Pledge One Thing” campaign, which we are involved in and aiming to help independent young people by securing business commitments to perform one significant supportive action toward their employment path. Businesses participating in the pledge can offer different types of support that include CV workshops and mentoring sessions, short work placements, along with donations of professional clothing and haircuts, and most importantly, providing guidance and time.
Our presentation included details about the extensive planning process as well as the collaborative work involved in running the campaign. We demonstrated how students from two classes united to arrange logistics and book the Business Design Centre (BDC) venue and contact businesses throughout the community. The process proved difficult since we encountered multiple obstacles while we needed to change our approach and develop innovative solutions. The goal became achievable through collective teamwork combined with effective communication and a united dedication to our purpose. At the DEN Conference, we revealed the hidden events which showed us how much valuable knowledge we gained through our project development, as well as our development of practical abilities, alongside our growth in confidence, professional skills, and resilience.
The experience showed us our own abilities in a fresh way, which proved most valuable. Presenting our ideas to a university audience who treated us with seriousness and respect helped us develop a new perspective about ourselves as students who now saw ourselves as competent young professionals with significant ideas. We felt proud because of our achievements in creating the event together with the path we took to reach this milestone. Being heard and recognised as someone who can create positive change gave us the power to feel empowered.
The DEN Conference experience drove us to continue our work. Young people possess the power to build their own futures while helping others build theirs, too. The experience demonstrated how every small action creates expanding waves that produce meaningful effects. Our journey taught us that when we receive the opportunity to speak, we discover our voice and find our purpose and develop leadership confidence.
Abigail Riccio, Capital City College Group, London