A DEN intern on presenting past social anxiety, the trip to Uzbekistan, and the friends she made for life
Maryam Khan, former DEN intern, University of Westminster
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 in my first year, after being recommended by older students.
Which DEN activities have you taken part in?
I took part in the DEN internship in my second year. I also attended conferences, where I presented. And, of course, the pizza parties and the multicultural events.
Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?
In a meeting, I was asked to talk about how I had overcome my social anxiety before a presentation, and to tell younger students how they could develop more confidence themselves. Being asked to share my own story so it might help someone else was a moment I did not expect. It has stayed with me.
What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?
The community. I have made friends for life through DEN.
How has DEN helped you develop personally?
DEN has made me more confident and taught me how to network. It also gave me the opportunity to go to Uzbekistan, which was one of the highlights of my time at university.
Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?
The internship with DEN taught me confidence, public speaking, academic writing, and note-taking. A lot of transferable skills I still use today.
What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?
Confidence and lifelong friends.
What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?
Just go for it. It is such a brilliant community. Everyone is so welcoming and sweet.
What would you say to a colleague at another university?
It is a good network to have. It teaches you transferable skills for life.
Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?
Organise more trips.
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Photo caption: Being asked to share my own story, so it might help someone else, was a moment I did not expect.
