86th ICM Experience from a First-Time Participant’s Perspective
Starting out as a Director of Competitions on my local board, acquiring the same position on the French National Board, to now being named ELSA France’s Vice President in charge of Competitions, the ICM represented the full circle my ELSA journey encompassed.
An enriching experience: broadening my legal and cultural perspectives in Antalya
Both educational and enriching, the 86th ICM was hosted in the most beautiful city of Antalya, where I acquired advice and memories that will last a lifetime. It was my first ICM, and thus I was unfamiliar with both other ELSA members and the timeline overall. Nevertheless, I was welcomed with open arms into the inclusive ELSA family. Meeting ELSA members from different countries across Europe as well as individuals from global backgrounds truly broadened my perspective, particularly in the field of law. Connecting with such diverse professionals expanded my scope of legal understanding and the different approaches I can pursue in varying ELSA endeavours. The OC was very organised, and getting to know them and hearing their insights about ICM planning in parallel to day-to-day tasks was also incredibly beneficial in relation to learning how to organize large-scale events.
Engagement and learning: participating in competition workshops and gaining insights
The ICM began with a view of the beautiful landscapes and Antalya weather, followed by the Opening Plenary. Although I entered the Opening Plenary quite stressed, as it was my first ICM and I was unfamiliar with the process, other ELSA groups were quick to support me in any way they could. Given that I was the only representative from ELSA France, I was so grateful to be included in the plans of other National Groups. As the MCC Director, I participated in the Workshops of Competitions area and was selected to be the Secretary. While I was uncertain about my capacities within this role, the Chairs and International Board were very supportive and determined to answer any questions or concerns. Being responsible for reporting on the workshops’ content, the necessary attentiveness and conciseness pushed me to take in and analyse what was being said, both by the Chairs and participants. Within the Competition workshops, I learned about each ELSA group’s related projects, as well as difficulties and prospective solutions to promote collaborative dialogue. Additionally, I gained crucial insights from the International Board that will support my National Group in facilitating our own MCC.
Balancing professionalism with leisure: exploring Antalya and concluding the ICM with gratitude
Diverging from more professional endeavours, the Organising Committee also made sure to plan sightseeing in Antalya’s Old Town and a tour of Aspendos ruins. The city’s beauty and unique layout were underlined by its historical and cultural significance, thus making the promenade that much more enjoyable. Not to mention, it always brightened everyone’s moods when we could stop to play with the adorable stray dogs and cats. To conclude the event, the ICM gala was truly unique, and I aspire to attend the next ICM to further my ELSA progress. All in all, the 87th ICM was truly one to remember, and I can only extend my deepest gratitude to the ELSA International Board for their facilitation, ELSA Türkiye for all their organisation efforts, and the ELSA Alumni Board that provided me with the ICM Alumni scholarship that made this experience possible.
by Lilia Hessabi
