From the 2023 DEN conference to a Japan-ASEAN youth leadership programme: a Kasetsart Psychology graduate on saying yes before you feel ready
Pinyapatch Meksakunwong (Pinya), BA Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kasetsart University, Class of 2024; now Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Agoda, Thailand
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 through an opportunity offered by my university to participate in a DEN conference. What initially attracted me was the chance to engage with students and academics from outside my own university, and from outside my own country, and to contribute to meaningful discussions beyond the traditional classroom.
Which DEN activities have you taken part in?
Two in particular: participating in DEN’s International Students Conference at the University of Westminster in May 2023; and contributing as an author and editorial-board member to DEN publications.
Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?
One experience that has stayed with me was the feedback I received from Professor Farhang on a recent publication with DEN. After I submitted my first draft, he encouraged me to incorporate perspectives on governance and institutional responsibility that I had not initially considered.
Revising the article helped me realise how much stronger and more coherent a piece of writing can become through constructive feedback. As someone who does not consider herself a professional writer, I learned that good academic writing is not only about having ideas. It is also about learning how to structure them, refine them, and expand them.
What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest impact of DEN has been making me realise that things I once thought were impossible for me were actually possible. Before joining DEN, I never considered myself an academic person. But through DEN, I had the opportunity to present my work internationally in London, and later to publish two articles on topics I am genuinely passionate about.
DEN created a safe space for me to explore, experiment, and discover my own capabilities. Even after graduating and entering the professional world, I continue to carry the mindset that I should not limit myself based on what I think I can or cannot achieve.
How has DEN helped you develop personally?
DEN encouraged me to think more critically and globally, and reinforced my belief that learning extends far beyond formal education. Most importantly, it helped me step outside my comfort zone. Participating in international conferences and writing articles felt intimidating at first. Although I was unsure of my abilities, I brought enthusiasm, and DEN provided the opportunities and the support that helped me grow.
Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?
Yes, absolutely. The experiences I gained through DEN have added significant value to both my professional and personal development. Participating in international conferences, and publishing my own articles alongside international peers in DEN’s book, demonstrated skills and experiences that speak for themselves on a CV.
More recently, I was selected to represent Thailand in a prestigious youth leadership programme involving Japan and ASEAN countries, and I believe that my experiences with DEN played an important role in that achievement. DEN helped me build not only my credentials, but also the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt beyond my reach.
What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?
DEN gave me a safe space to explore my potential without fear of failure. It allowed me to experiment with opportunities I would never otherwise have considered. That sense of possibility is something I would have struggled to find elsewhere.
What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?
Say yes, even if you do not feel ready. When I first started with DEN, I did not consider myself an academic person, and I often doubted whether I belonged in those spaces. Looking back, I realise that enthusiasm and curiosity matter more than certainty. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
What would you say to a colleague at another university?
DEN is more than an academic network. It is an international community that gives students the opportunity to explore, experiment, and grow beyond the boundaries they place on themselves. DEN creates spaces where students are encouraged to contribute, to collaborate, and to discover capabilities they may not have known they possessed.
Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?
As DEN continues to grow internationally, I believe it could further strengthen opportunities for long-term collaboration and mentorship between participants. Many students develop meaningful connections and ideas through DEN, and creating more structured ways to sustain these relationships could extend its impact even further.
Anything else you would like us to know?
Looking back, I realise that DEN did more than provide opportunities. It changed how I see myself. It taught me not to limit my potential based on who I think I am today, but to remain curious about who I might become tomorrow. Thank you so much to the DEN community.
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Photo caption: “One day you were presenting research, the next you are representing your country.” My journey with DEN taught me that growth can begin by attempting what initially feels impossible.