“Thought it was pointless. Big mistake.”

From sceptic to alumnus: how a Latvian student got talked into DEN, and stayed

Valters Dāvids Ostrovskis, BA alumnus, University of Westminster; now Head of Sales at Roadgames, Latvia

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 heard a lot about it but did not come the first year. I thought it was pointless. Big mistake. I got sick of everyone asking me to come, and I came.

Which DEN activities have you taken part in?

Editing the DEN book, helping organise a conference, and taking part in a conference.

Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?

All the conversations with Farhang about how DEN, and university in general, is not about “us and them.” We are all people. Just because students are studying does not mean that teachers have to be “the other.” That is one of the things DEN is trying to change.

What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?

Probably the weekly meetings. It was the only place where I could meet someone outside of the lectures and the pub.

How has DEN helped you develop personally?

I think I am much more open to different opinions because of DEN and its weekly discussions.

Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?

I do not think so directly. At my current job, I was not asked about it. But it is totally possible that there will come a time.

What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?

The people. And the one-to-one conversations with Farhang, who has a very unique personality.

What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?

I would obviously recommend joining, because there are not many societies like it.

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Photo caption: “We are all people. Just because students are studying does not mean that teachers have to be the other.”