On Friday 9th of May, I had the most amazing opportunity to attend and participate in the
8th DEN International Student Conference at the University of Westminster. This was my
first DEN conference, so I did not really have a specific idea of what the conference
would be like, but I knew that I was going to learn a lot from everyone around me!
The conference was an eye-opener and deepened my understanding of the world
around me by allowing me to learn and see multiple cultures and countries be
represented and to educate and bring change in our complex world. It made me realise
how powerful global engagement can truly be and that it should never be taken for
granted because even the smallest of changes can make a HUGE diOerence. This
conference continuously reinforced some key factors such as: inclusion, diversity,
partnerships and education.
Every single presentation was incredible and I was intrigued by each of them, but there
were a few that stood out to me amongst the rest. The presentations by: Mubina
Rahman, Anjali and group members, Lucrezia Zito, Nana and group members, Charlene
Okai, Michelle Mohaimen and Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)
students are the most memorable for me. I was immensely taken aback in a positive
manner by the presentations from the WIUT students because it made me reflect, but
also find comfort in their words regarding identity, history and culture. I found myself
thinking regarding my own identity and how I choose to share it with the world – thinking
when it’s appropriate to speak and represent one half whilst the other half may be
hidden or out of sight from the world and how I can just embrace both worlds and
combine them into something beautiful and magical because we don’t need divisions
but unity.
By interacting with students and speakers from other universities and countries, I
became more inclined to learn and explore more of all the opportunities out there,
professionally but also personally. It made me excited for all the potential adventures
that are ahead of me and I am so glad that I also made some lifelong friends along the
way too.
My role as a notetaker shaped my sense of responsibility within the university by making
me actively listen and take notes of 2 panels and their speakers’ key points. This means
that we can always refer to the panels if needed be which is very useful. Due to this
conference, I also got to practise and enhance my presentation skills by opening the
conference, which I’ll be taking forward into my academic and professional future.
Overall, I had the best time at the DEN conference, and I’m so excited to see what’s in
store for DEN next year. I’m very grateful to Dr Farhang Morady for giving me the
opportunity to be a part of this amazing community and contribute meaningfully in
order to live in a more democratic and respectful world.
Negena Mahmoud