I believe that I got out of the NMUN experience much more than I had expected.  When I first began NMUN a year ago I was interested in it because of the knowledge that you gain about the United Nations and the issues which the organization addresses.  What I came away with was a broad base of knowledge extending from the operations of the UN, specific issues, to exercising skills in public speaking, negotiating, and diplomacy.  I also came away with learning about myself.  This unique experience is has many hidden rewards.  It is more than just learning different facets about the United Nations.  It is learning and exercising skills that are going to be utilized in every aspect of life, from interpersonal relationships to working relationships.  Learning how to cooperate and compromise with someone of a different background, culture, or political face is something that we will face repeatedly.  NMUN gives you the opportunity to practice these skills and that is something I did not expect when I first began.
 
Being a second year member and having the exposure to the rules  of procedure the year before, I was very comfortable with them.  In the beginning I needed to refresh my memory, but after that I was accustomed to the rules.  I feel that I was quite more knowledgeable than many other delegations.  This also made it frustrating when delegates would make motions without knowing the proper procedure or the appropriate motion to make.

The knowledge I gained in my first year of NMUN made allowed for an easier time with working papers and resolutions.  In my committee I found that I knew more about the appropriate structure of a working paper than many other delegations.  The first year of NMUN gave a good foundation to working papers and resolutions.

The course in International Relations, which is a prerequisite for this special project, gave me a broad understanding of general international relations.  This course prepared me for New York by giving me a working knowledge of the global system.

If I were to have done this year's NMUN all over again there is not that much, if anything, that I would have changed.  My experience this year is something that I will hold positive memories for always.  With 4 returning members the task of preparing the first-year members in procedure and caucusing was much easier than I thought it was going to be.  It also added a dimension of unity because we had been through the experience together once before.  Teaching the first-year members reinforced the knowledge that we gained the year before and was an exciting part of the experience because we already knew what it was like.  The returning members really took an active part in helping the new members.  The returning members had a goal of making this year's team a better one than last year's, and I believe we succeeded in that goal.  I am very proud of the work and effort that everyone put in.  The first-year members really came out strong in New York.  They exceeded and accomplished more than I thought.  Not to undermine their potential or ability, but I was very impressed with the new members.  I hope, and I think they did, gain a great deal from this experience.
 Outside of the formal sessions we had a great time as a team.  We all got to know each other much better, and for myself, my existing friendships were strengthened and new ones were made.  These are some of the benefits that aren't expressed as much.  Hidden rewards I guess you could call them.  I really would not change anything.  Maybe the behavior of other delegations, chairs, and directors!  But, as for this year's NMUN from Rider University...my deep appreciation because I had a great time leading and being a part of this distinguished team.

Academically, I gained knowledge not only of the political, social, and economic facets of Trinidad and Tobago, but also of the Caribbean community.  In understanding Trinidad and Tobago I gained an overall understanding of the Caribbean community that they belong to.  How Trinidad and Tobago and this community work interdependently and with other blocks from around the globe is another academic benefit that I acquired through NMUN.  This gave me a new angle on the global community and more importantly a new understanding of a people and nation which I was unfamiliar.

I also gained more knowledge in the field of researching and just how useful the technology that we have here at Rider is.  Having the opportunity to go to the United Nations and sit in one of the conference rooms and conduct a session was a historical moment for me in my life.  I was in awe sitting in that room where the reality takes place.  It is something that I will not forget, and it is something that not that many people or students get to do in their lifetime.
 
 This year was quite different from last in year in two respects.  One being delegation leader is more comprehensive than being a member.  This position in itself requires time, patience, organization, responsibility, and the ability to be a problem solver for the rest of the delegation.  I accepted this position and I am very happy that I did.  I felt it was a privilege to be able to lead and teach this group.  I am quite thankful that I did have three other returning members.  This group was ready and willing to learn, which was quite exciting to me.  They were a motivated, fun, and responsible group.  So it was a pleasure to be their leader.  I learned that I am capable of handling the tasks and responsibilities that a leadership position requires.  The other aspect that was quite different than last year was the cohesiveness of the team.  They were a great group of people to work with.

Experiencing something exciting in the realm of the United Nations, practicing life skills, learning about yourself, meeting new people from all over the world, and making new friendships are just some of the non-academic benefits of the NMUN experience.  These are the impressions that I will carry with me and remember when I am older and think back to my days here at Rider.  It was a truly great experience!