Model United Nations "Together we aspire, together we achieve"

In comparison to my other 3-credit courses the NMUN required much more work and effort. Regardless of the fact that NMUN meets in both the fall and spring semesters, the NMUN is an organization/class that requires an overall effort that exceeds that of normal classes. Extensive research on our country is required for our position papers, working papers, and simulations. Moreover, research is also required to be knowledgeable of other countries positions on your topic. NMUN delegates must keep themselves up to day to on global concerns such as: economic issues, political issues, humanitarian issues, and environmental issues, ect. There are no exams in NMUN but each student has to speak in front of the class on a specific and different topic each week while representing a different country. This sort of responsibility is much more demanding than a simple exam.

NMUN provides a countless array of academic benefits. First and foremost, through participating in this year’s delegation I became more knowledgeable on the workings of the United Nations. I am in awe of the day-to-day activities of the UN and the enormous amount of teamwork and collaboration that results from each committee. I understand how difficult it is to reach a consensus and the frustration that arises with the give and take process.

Furthermore, I have enhanced my researching skills through preparation for class and New York. My writing skills have also increased through preparation for class.

Moreover, I feel my speech abilities have skyrocketed. Ask anyone: Jennifer Bottorff was not able to speak in front of class prior to this course.I have never taken a speech course and it has been on my list of things to do at Rider; however, it was definitely a fear of mine. I still cannot believe that I spoke in front of 450 people in New York and that it was a good speech. This achievement is something that I will take with me long after I graduate.

Non-academic benefits that I have derived from NMUN would be leadership skills and teamwork skills. Working as a team from Rider was a wonderful experience and it was great to hear from our other committees about the work that was accomplished. I think we represented Rider well. In my own committee I was forced to take the leadership role, which was a great experience also.

NMUN also helped me forge new relationships with people I would not have otherwise met at Rider which was wonderful. I was a great way of meeting new people and of getting involved. Professors and administration have acknowledged me as a NMUN team member, and that was amazing. The distinguished reputation that comes along with being a delegate is definitely a benefit.

The 2001 NMUN experience has been a wonderful experience for me both academically and personally. I was so lucky to have participated in such a distinguished group and among such magnificent students. I am so proud of the work that we accomplished in New York and of the team that we have become. This was a challenging course but the benefits far outweigh the work that was required of us.

Self-Evaluation index

Faculty Adviser: Dr. Chau T. Phan, 896-5262,phanc@rider.edu