Story of how I decided to join Timun Society this academic year

As a law student fond of writing, I choose "storytelling" over constructing some phrases. Now, my story comes from the very bottom of my heart. 

Dear reader,

Firstly, I would like to take you back to February 25, 2024, when I received an email from ELSA International. The day I was appointed as ELSA Delegate to represent ELSA the Netherlands during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development before the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Twenty-Seventh Session, 15-19.04.2024. After reading the email, I called my parents and texted my friends cheerfully and excitedly. I would like to thank them for encouraging me to apply and supporting me from the beginning until the end. I started counting the days until my observation role as ELSA Delegate at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

I arrived in Geneva on the morning before the UNCTAD. I left my suitcase at my hotel and then went about discovering this beautiful city on foot. I walked down a long street, and right before me was Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). After spending the last few months in Tilburg, the lake and sunny weather were breathtaking, and I felt peaceful. My bond with Geneva flourished more once I got an opportunity to speak French with the local community. C'est une ville incroyable!

Throughout the Twenty-Seventh Session of the UNCTAD, I had the opportunity to observe policy-making in the context of the three main fields: science, technology, and development. Attending these sessions, listening to the delegates, and having enriching conversations during their breaks was beyond what I had dreamed of. Following all the discussions about these three main fields was challenging and sometimes even overwhelming since, at the time I was a second-year Global Law student that had only just been introduced to "Law, Technology & Society".

I understood the main takeaway of this experience for my personal growth three months after the session. The only phrase I kept repeating in my head until then was, “Policy-making is hard…” Now, I would like to rephrase that statement for myself: Policy-making requires commitment and hard work for a person who would like to be a part of it in their career. Sometimes, your job will be your only priority, but you will immensely enjoy it if you are happy where you are in your career. Ultimately, it is worth spending hours, days, and weeks for your job, travelling from one country to another without forgetting yourself for your personal and professional growth. 

Back in August, a post introducing the 11th Board of TimunSociety appeared on my feed when I was scrolling on Instagram. Until that moment, I had not thought of becoming a member of this association even after my experience as ELSA Delegate at the United Nations Office in Geneva. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head. I asked myself: if seeing delegates in Geneva impressed me so much, why not join Timun Society and act as one? Their new logo and the board members' avatars on the introduction posts may have also made my decision easier. I really liked the design changes on their Instagram account. If you have not seen them on social media, check out and follow! 

At the time of writing this, I have attended three workshops thus far and am grateful for my decision to become a member. It is the perfect environment to learn from each other and have fun at the same time. Whether your rhetoric skills are excellent or average, you are more than welcome. You should definitely try it to feel this fascinating atmosphere!