In 2018, I boarded my first plane — a clash with the world, as I’ve come to call it. As a 23-year-old student already weighed down by exam stress, navigating the visa application process for Slovenia felt like one of the most intense moments of my life. At the time, I was in my final year at the Faculty of Law at Haxhi Zeka University in Peja.

For hours, I gathered documents and prepared for the questions that awaited me at the Slovenian embassy. Filled with anticipation and uncertainty, every email and phone call weighed heavily on me. I was about to participate in an international moot court competition, with teams from all over the world. My anxiety only intensified, as I realized that being part of such a high-level representation, in one of Kosovo’s teams, was a rare opportunity. My visa finally arrived, and I was flooded with mixed emotions — excitement about traveling and fear of what lay ahead. The flight felt like a defining moment. I was soaring, not only physically, but also into a world full of endless possibilities. Every second in the air brought me closer to the unknown experiences I had envisioned.

A new dimension

Arriving in Slovenia felt like stepping into another dimension. The atmosphere was electrifying, a diverse mix of students, all here preparing for the competition. I was struck by both cultural and emotional shock. The participants included students from renowned universities, as well as professionals in international law, each bringing a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives on the field.

Meeting students and individuals from various cultures and countries introduced me to a wide range of norms and customs, making me feel out of place and insecure at first. In retrospect, this experience brought me a deep respect for diversity and the skill of adapting to new environments. At the same time, representing Kosovo and facing the pressure of the competition created intense emotional tension. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to succeed and feared the possibility of failure. This insecurity grew stronger as I found myself far from home, which intensified my emotions.

The added strain of political differences between countries was very present in the competition. In those moments, it became clear how political rivalries at the state level could influence personal relationships, even within an academic environment.

On the eve of the competition, a few minutes before the first moot court session, a student organizer escorting us to the hall door remarked, “The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the independence of Kosovo is not legally binding,” subtly challenging the legitimacy of our state’s independence.

Yet, there were also moments when those rivalries were extinguished. A notable moment occurred when we met the team from Slovakia — a country that does not recognize Kosovo diplomatically. The girls from the team invited us for coffee, and during the conversation, they apologized for the situation. This thoughtful act of connection was extraordinary.

Meeting a professor from Serbia also became a key moment. In conversation with our mentor, she expressed her desire to greet our team. “I would like to greet them and shake their hands. Will they be open to talk, given the past situation between us?” she asked. Without hesitation, we said, “Yes.” We knew very well that this was a bold step toward building bridges and breaking down the barriers that had separated us.

Being in such a stimulating environment made me reflect on the possibilities for my future. The cultural shock I experienced was profound; I was surrounded by those with diverse experiences and perspectives, where every conversation became an opportunity to learn. Often, I found myself in deep discussions with colleagues, bouncing around ideas on where the future of international justice looks like.

When I returned home, a sudden wave of emotion took over me. For an entire week, I was overwhelmed — not because of sadness, but because of how deep of an effect this experience had on me. Experiencing these moments with other young people, who shared the same sentiment, made this trip a memorable journey. Being part of such a large and diverse community became a treasured feeling, one that I will always carry with me.

This trip has had a transformative effect on my education. Above all, it made me reflect on the opportunities available to us, as students from Kosovo, and how we are not much different from those in more advanced educational systems. It was a reminder that, despite the challenges we face — such as political obstacles and, at times, the bureaucracy of obtaining a visa — we have the same potential to develop our careers and contribute to international environments.

This trip was more than just a flight; it was a step toward personal and professional growth. I recommend that every young person explore the world because sometimes the best experiences come from the challenges that help us grow. Meeting new people and different cultures helps us understand how rich the world around us is, and that, despite the challenges, we always have opportunities to form friendships and share experiences.

Feature Image: Atdhe Mulla / K2.0

More than a flight

First flight: A clash with the world

Donjeta Rexhbogaj

More than a flight

First flight: A clash with the world

Donjeta Rexhbogaj