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

Andrew Stevens
First Year Member
Committee: Commission on Sustainable Development

In comparison with other 3-credit courses, how much effort did the NMUN participation require of you?

The amount of effort and preparation that I had to put forth was by far the largest amount of work for one class in my entire college career. It was essential that I thoroughly understood not only the background of New Zealand’s global policies, but also the research and memorization of NMUN procedural rules combined with staying in character as a representative of New Zealand. What academic benefits did you derive from participating in the 2001 NMUN? If you are a second-year member, what did you learn this year that you did not learn last year? By far, the greatest academic benefit that I received from participation in the 2001 NMUN was developing the skill of utilizing online resources. In addition, my knowledge of the United Nations was increased tremendously, as the conference required expertise of its many in-depth and sometimes difficult procedures. 2001 NMUN was not just a course on the United Nations, as it integrated public speaking, political skills, international politics, global history, and diplomacy into the entire process. My greatly improved knowledge of all the aforementioned topics was one of the most valuable learning experiences I have ever had in college. What non-academic benefits did you derive from participating in the 2001 NMUN? If you are a second-year member, what did you learn this year that you did not learn last year? Personal interaction was the most critical element of the non-academic benefits at 2001 NMUN. The value of meeting and interacting with delegates for all over America as well as the world was invaluable. Furthermore, the entire process was a test of the leadership and interpersonal skills that I brought to conference. The entire process significantly enhanced these skills, as I feel more confident in leadership roles now than I ever have before. Overall evaluation of the 2001 NMUN experience Where are the words? Frankly, I commit a grave injustice when I try to use simply words to describe the 2001 NMUN experience in New York. The positive personal change that has swept over me since the conference has been amazing, and it is something that I would carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned more about myself in terms of leadership and work ethic in this one class, in one week at the NMUN New York conference, than I have in my entire college career. I feel privileged to have been a part of the NMUN conference, and eternally grateful for all the leadership skills, speaking skills, and experiences I gained, as they lead to outstanding personal achievements I never thought were possible.

Self-Evaluation index

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