Tomorrow Starts Today

This UN flag I keep in my room serves as a constant reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve global sustainability and equity.

When I walked into my first Model UN conference at Carthage College, I had no idea what to expect. As our delegation stepped off the bus and filled in to the conference room, I looked around. I saw a hundred ties, a hundred blazers, and a hundred pairs of dress shoes. I saw a hundred placards, a hundred nametags, and a hundred notebooks. But what I really saw was a hundred thinkers, doers and leaders. And that’s when I knew I was in the right place.

Left: MUN delegates know a good opportunity when they see one. Pictured is my Model UN team taking advantage of a beautiful backdrop after walking past an archway at Northwestern University. Photo by Corina Rogers

Right: Being together in a conference room for hours on end can turn complete strangers into great friends. Pictured is one of the many amazing people I have met at our conferences, Pete.

Aside from your school’s delegation, you never know who you’re going to meet at a Model UN (MUN) conference. Even so, almost every delegate that I’ve had the privilege of working with, from my beginner-level General Assembly at Carthage to our double delegate human rights committee at Northwestern, has exuded leadership, initiative, and passion for cooperation. For me, getting to work with people that legitimately care about and have passion for what they do is incredibly valuable.

During committee time, the Waunakee delegation is focused on the agenda of the country they represent. But outside of conferences, they are some of my best friends. I can always count on a MUN member if I’m stuck on my homework, or need a ride somewhere. I can count on them to listen, and they can count on me to listen too.

The experiences that come from Model UN and its conferences are unforgettable. For larger conferences, teams travel all around the country to participate. Above, the Chicago skyline pictured during our 4-day conference at Northwestern. Photo by Max Richardson

Last April, our delegation embarked on a 4-day journey to Northwestern University for a conference. That trip was not only a great opportunity to get some delegating done, but was also a core moment for me as an individual. Being alone with my friends and our advisor in a big city made me realize that it's not about the pursuit of happiness, but about the happiness in the pursuit. Sure, we all go off to college in a few years, but cherishing experiences together like those: hanging out in a hotel, taking pictures, laughing, walking along Lake Michigan, going out to eat, and just being together, is what really matters. I’m so glad to have that group in my life.

There are plenty of skills that MUN builds aside from the actual building of global policy. MUN promotes an environment where speaking in front of a large group is essential in moving agendas forward, building confidence and speech quality. Photo by Max Richardson

I came into freshman year with a fair amount of confidence. But when I first gained the courage to address the entire committee during a moderated caucus at the MADMUN conference last fall, it was a whole new ballgame. As I spoke about the necessity of having more women in positions of leadership, one of the topics of the conference, I was thinking two things. As I looked around, I noticed how intently everyone was participating. Some scribbled notes, some nodded or acknowledged me, and some even applauded. Secondly, what I was talking about actually mattered. The issues that I’ve debated have come with me far beyond the committee room.

The required attire at MUN conferences makes me feel both confident and professional, and in some cases, delegates wear attire or accessories from the country they represent. On the right is the president of South Sudan, the country I happened to be representing at Northwestern. Middle photo by Max Richardson, right photo by U.S. Department of State

Though committee time may be taxing, MUN offers plenty of opportunities for recognition. Delegates can win a variety of awards, based upon caucus participation or pre-written position papers. I won my first best delegate award at MADMUN last November.

While MUN conferences are never more than a few hours away, the discussions that take place are pertinent everywhere. From addressing global health crises, to justice within the workforce, MUN is fostering an environment where the next generation of leaders can discuss real solutions to relevant issues.

Last fall, I spearheaded a resolution on women’s rights at the MADMUN conference that ended up being the highest passed resolution of the conference. We included clauses for required member state equity standards, as well as global awareness campaigns. I’ve passed resolutions that have founded Geneva Convention violation task forces, resolutions with calls for global trade restrictions and tariffs on violators of the Minimum Age Convention, and in a future-based committee, have created protocol for violators of the Outer Space Treaty. Doing things like that really make me realize that what we’re doing is important, influential, and impactful for the future of our planet and our people.

Being a part of discussions like these, especially when we really dig deep and hit a hard topic, is a reminder that people like me are in the best possible situation to help others. Sitting down and hearing delegates criticize problematic global practices during a conference sends you home more informed, aware, and empowered to fight for change.

When I first started MUN, I had no idea what a wild ride it would take me on. I’ve met incredible young leaders and problem solvers, participated in intelligent and influential debate, found a spark within myself to make change in the world, and have had fun while doing it all, and for that I could not be more grateful. What MUN has done for me, I hope I can reciprocate back into the future of our planet.