When I first received the email inviting students to the 9th DEN International Students Conference and calling for abstracts, the pressure of looming assessment deadlines led me to overlook the opportunity. However, two days later, I revisited the email, still uncertain about my decision. Seeking clarity, I reached out to Dr. Farhang to better understand the requirements for both participation and presentation. His warm and encouraging response inspired me to step beyond my hesitation and embrace the opportunity to share my perspective on Education and Migration as tools for development; a topic I had already been reflecting on.
Despite initial doubts and academic pressures, I was fortunate to receive an extension from Dr. Farhang to submit my 300-word abstract. What followed was a period of intense preparation, marked by late night sleep and sustained effort. Yet, I found the process both enjoyable and intellectually rewarding. Beyond the excitement of delivering my first presentation at an international conference, I was deeply motivated by the chance to contribute to academic and policy discussions on how education can help address global migration challenges. This is particularly significant in our current world, where some countries continue to tighten anti-migration policies in response to rising migration flows.
Participating in the conference itself was an enriching experience. I was inspired by the openness, intellectual curiosity, and diversity of perspectives among participants. As a first-time attendee of DEN activities, I felt genuinely welcomed into a community of scholars from varied academic and cultural backgrounds. This sense of belonging enhanced my overall experience and reinforced the value of collaborative academic spaces.
Overcoming my anxiety about attending and presenting at the conference proved to be immensely rewarding. It strengthened my confidence and reaffirmed the importance of self-belief in pursuing academic and professional opportunities. Engaging with other presenters and reflecting on questions from participants broadened my understanding of the conference themes and deepened my critical thinking.
A key takeaway from my presentation was the idea that “Education cannot stop migration, but it can help migration work for all.” However, beyond my own contribution, the conference prompted me to reflect on broader issues, particularly the growing reliance on artificial intelligence and its implications for human cognition and environmental sustainability.
Overall, my participation in the 9th DEN International Conference was a transformative experience. It not only enhanced my academic confidence but also expanded my intellectual horizons and reinforced my commitment to engaging in meaningful global discourse. My appreciation to Dr. Farhang Morady who made it possible.
Solomon Antwiagyei Kuffour, MSc Economic Policy and Analysis
Charles Selorm Deku
Solomon! You have always been an intellectual mind, you just needed the right opportunity, environment and guidance in order to manifest it. Glad that Westminster is doing just that.
The sky is the limit for you.
Melchizedek
Congratulations Senior. You’re who you say you’re champ 🥳keep shining
Ayomide Iwajomo
Solomon, this is honestly inspiring. From almost overlooking the opportunity to eventually delivering your first presentation at an international conference, your journey reflects determination, growth, and courage. It’s encouraging to see how you transformed uncertainty into confidence and meaningful contribution.
KOTOKA YAA
I haven’t known you for long but you strike me as a person who’s hungry for knowledge and very intellectual because of that. A deep thinker, a go getter.
This was just readiness meeting opportunity. Keep on keeping on
Arnold Anokye
The Economist himself.
That was a nice read.
Arnold Anokye
The Economist himself.
That was a nice read.
Lord Barwuah Oheneba (Rev.)
Great work and progress my brother. It is not surprising because yoi have always been up to task. Your level of thinking and analysis need more than this platform. Move bro!
Gordon
Great work buddy. You were just cut for this. Keep on doing what you do best
Solomon Antwiagyei Kuffour
Thank you my people for the kind words. You remain my greatest motivation. Cheers
Ibrahim Issah
This is a truly inspiring and deeply reflective account of academic growth, courage, and intellectual discovery .
Your journey from hesitation to active participation beautifully captures what it means to step beyond fear and embrace opportunity. The honesty about your initial doubts, the pressure of deadlines, and yet still choosing to pursue your abstract speaks volumes about your resilience and determination. That moment of reaching out to Dr. Farhang and finding encouragement is especially powerful—it highlights how mentorship and support can quietly change the trajectory of a student’s confidence and growth.
What stands out most is not just your presentation, but the transformation within you through the process. You didn’t only contribute to a global conversation on Education and Migration—you also discovered your own voice within it. Your reflection, “Education cannot stop migration, but it can help migration work for all,” is both thought-provoking and timely, especially in a world grappling with shifting migration policies and global inequality.
Even more compelling is your ability to connect this experience to broader concerns like AI, cognition, and sustainability. It shows a mind that is not only learning, but critically expanding—questioning the future while actively engaging in it.
This is the essence of academic development: not perfection, but courage, reflection, and evolution. Your experience at the DEN Conference is clearly more than an academic milestone—it is a personal turning point, one that strengthens both your confidence and your intellectual identity.
A deeply meaningful tribute also goes to Dr. Farhang Morady, whose encouragement helped unlock this moment of growth. It is a reminder of how one act of support can open doors to transformation
A powerful, moving, and genuinely important reflection—well done.