Shekinah from the Business program at Capital City College authored this piece.
The DEN International Student Conference at the University of Westminster delivered an extraordinary experience which left me empowered. The chance to share my Korean Turing Scheme experience with international participants felt extraordinary because I had recently returned from South Korea.
The university building welcomed me with an extraordinary environment which combined purpose with professional conduct. The space buzzed with energy. Students arrived from multiple international locations to share their distinct perspectives about essential global matters. It was exciting and humbling to be among such a diverse and passionate group, all eager to learn from one another.
The event itself was incredibly well-organised. The initial welcome speeches established an inspiring atmosphere while speakers transitioned between each other without interruptions. The audience participation level impressed me the most at this event. The audience members were not merely listeners because they actively connected with the speakers. The audience demonstrated authentic interest and admiration for the shared stories which established a collaborative atmosphere.
I experienced a combination of fear and enthusiasm during my time to speak. I shared my South Korean adventure through my presentation about exploring traditional villages and learning Korean cooking and experiencing the unfamiliar culture. The business experience in South Korea profoundly changed me both as a student and as a young person who broadened her global knowledge. The experience had such importance that the words flowed naturally from my heart. When I faced the audience my nervousness disappeared because speaking became an experience that let me both reflect and establish connections. The post-presentation conversations with attendees who asked about my journey enhanced my satisfaction because they showed me my stories touched their hearts.
We received the chance to network with students from different colleges and countries after the presentations finished. The different life paths of attendees became evident to me as they explained their experiences because they all found their way to the same event despite their individual backgrounds. The university campus tour exposed me to Westminster’s university life which I found intriguing. The experience motivated me to think about the possibilities that lay ahead.
Presenting at the DEN Conference provided me with more than presentation opportunities because it built my confidence level. The experience taught me that my voice holds value and genuine personal growth happens through taking risks beyond comfort boundaries. This experience together with all its participants has left me deeply appreciative. This experience will remain with students for an extended period following the event’s conclusion.
Shekinah Oyediwura Capital City College