How DEN altered my university experience for the better
Katie Bracci, BA graduate, University of Westminster (2021–2025), United Kingdom
Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network.
How did you first come into contact with DEN?
I had no idea about DEN in my foundation year, but in my first year I had Farhang as a lecturer and seminar leader. He mentioned DEN here and there, but I was a shy student and wasn’t sure about the idea. As one of those students who was quite self-contained in seminars, DEN felt outside the box for me at first.
My attendance that year wasn’t great, and one day I received an email from Farhang: “Katie, where were you today?” First of all, I couldn’t believe a lecturer had noticed I wasn’t there. It actually encouraged me, and we laugh about it to this day. I never missed a class after that.
In my second year, I was excited for the Democratic Engagement module with Farhang. He had made me feel so welcome and seen the year before, so I decided to go to DEN. I quickly realised the whole point of it was inclusivity and appreciation of student participation. Looking back, I have no idea what I was afraid of. Some of my new friends were also going, and it became a regular part of the week.
Which DEN activities did you take part in?
DEN opened the doors to so many opportunities. In 2023, we went to Bangkok, Thailand, which was definitely my favourite highlight of university. In 2024, I went to Istanbul, Turkey, spending time with Farhang and colleagues from Turkish universities. That year I also attended the International Student Conference, joined the mini trips throughout the week, and presented on the day of the conference itself.
And then there were the DEN parties, which are not to be missed. Games, food, and networking; they were a highlight every year.
Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?
My favourite moments of the weekly meetings were at the start of each season, when students were encouraged to write about themselves. I was so touched by the stories my peers shared about their experiences before coming to university.
I also remember presenting at the DEN conference. A student in the year above me complimented my presentation and seemed truly interested in my topic. It felt so good to know my work had been seen and appreciated. That kind of face-to-face feedback from other academics on a creative project I had worked hard on does not always happen in class presentations. DEN enabled my creativity and gave me the chance to show my passion.
What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?
DEN massively improved my university experience. Even though it felt like throwing myself into the deep end at first, I left DEN with friends for life and memories of fieldtrips you truly could not replicate.
How has DEN helped you develop personally?
DEN improved my confidence to a level I did not think was achievable when I started university. I think DEN keeps the art of conversation alive. In my day-to-day life and at work, I find myself able to express my thoughts and opinions in a way I could not before.
Farhang himself shows a true passion for his students. I remember him saying in a seminar that attendance matters not only for us, but for him too; that if students are not engaged, the effort of creating engaging lessons is wasted. That has always stuck with me. It is so important to show up and get involved. People are willing to help you, but you have to cooperate; things will not be handed to you. That mindset pushed me in other seminars and in my workplace too.
Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?
In my experience, interviewers are really interested in DEN. Discussing your work experience and degree gets you far, but DEN adds an extra touch. You get to help plan and organise events, write articles on your own interests, and network with people you would not otherwise meet. Those topics spark interest in interviews and lead to further conversation, which can put you a step ahead of other candidates.
What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?
I have never known anyone else able to take part in such unique fieldtrips. DEN opened doors to travel and to other cultures, put me in touch with academics at international universities, and connected me with international students who showed us their countries first-hand. DEN also gives you the chance to present your own research at the international conference in front of those peers. At undergraduate level, when most students are still finding their pathway, that is an experience you would not easily find anywhere else.
What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?
For those starting out, well done. Write something as soon as you can. Write about yourself. Your peers at DEN are likeminded and genuinely interested in what you have to share.
For those thinking of joining: do not wait as long as I did. I really wish I had gone to DEN sooner, because university passes you by so quickly. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
What would you say to a colleague at another university?
DEN is student-led, in the same way societies at university are student-led. I would encourage them to start something similar. Write articles, hold meetings, publish online magazines. DEN is about democratic engagement. There are students at every university who want to be seen, heard, and to express themselves academically beyond their classes. DEN has expanded enormously over the years, and I wonder if Farhang, ten years ago, expected to build such a big community. There is no reason other universities should not try to adopt the same approach.
Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?
I cannot think of anything DEN should do differently. If it continues to encourage student-led participation, I believe it will keep growing in the way it has always intended to.
Anything else you would like us to know?
If Farhang personally invites you to DEN, it is a huge sign to give it a go. If you are like I was in first year, feeling like you are having an isolating start to university, but loving your studies and interested in sharing ideas and listening to others, this is the place for you.