My name is Mariarosaria Leone and I am currently enrolled in the Master's degree program in Mass Media and Politics at UNIBO, close to completing my degree. My main interests revolve around the world of institutional and private communication, international relations, and the education sector. What I will never forget about the Student Congress in Helsinki are the friendships that were formed in just a few days, relationships built on shared interests despite different cultural and professional backgrounds. Not only did I get to know my UnaEuropa colleagues better, but I also got to share something with them that goes beyond the experience itself. The best moment? The highlight of the experience for me, as an Italian, was when we all gathered together in the morning to enjoy a meal and relax in the sauna!
Among the activities of the Student Congress, I believe that the most valuable one was the collaborative workshops where students worked together to address real-world challenges facing universities and society.
Participating in the Student Congress has contributed significantly to both my personal and professional development in several ways: it has enhanced my communication and networking skills, engaging in discussions, presenting ideas, and collaborating with classmates from different cultural backgrounds have helped me become more adept at communicating effectively across diverse audiences. The experience also strengthened my leadership and teamwork abilities, it has boosted my confidence and self-assurance.
Overall, participation in the Student Congress has been a transformative experience that has not only enriched my personal and professional development but has also added significant value to my CV by showcasing a diverse range of skills and experiences. It has been a significant opportunity for me to connect with diverse peers, collaborate on common challenges, and foster a sense of belonging to a broader community that I couldn’t meet otherwise.
Thank you very much UnaEuropa!
My name is Gülfem Sabırlı and I am 20 years old. I am from Türkiye, but I’ve been studying and living in Bologna since 2022. I study Law at University of Bologna and I’m the co-president of Local Task Force of UNIBO and a Student Board member. My experience at the Student Congress was amazing and memorable. Meeting new people, especially people that shares the same values as me was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Every event we attended made me realize how versatile a group of people can be and how beautiful is benefitting from differences. I felt like I was doing something that mattered.
Coming together with individuals from around the globe to exchange our ideas and values is vital for shaping the future of universities. After all, a university is a melting pot of diverse cultures and fields of study coexisting harmoniously. Exploring storytelling was not only enjoyable but also an effective way to connect with new audiences and introduce Una Europa. Personally, I found the Una Europa Podcast workshop to be the most engaging. It covered a topic I was eager to learn more about, making it both informative and enjoyable. Additionally, the micro-challenge focusing on languages was both entertaining and enlightening
Participating in the Student Congress was an incredibly liberating and empowering experience for me. It was truly refreshing to have a platform where my ideas were not only heard but also valued, fostering effortless conversations. Finding common interests among peers undoubtedly facilitated communication. While we all came from diverse backgrounds, we shared a common purpose and value: Una Europa. Despite considering myself somewhat reserved in social settings, I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in conversations and connecting with new individuals throughout the congress. This experience has contributed immensely to my personal growth.