Model
United Nations
"Together we aspire, together
we achieve"
Evaluation of
the 1986 NMUN Experience
Country represented:
Venezuela
Sean Collins,
Population Conference
Through my participation in National
Model United Nations (NMUN), I was able to synthesize previous knowledge
of world politics, my extensive research into the world population situation
with my abilities as a communicator to effectively play the role of a Venezuelan
delegate. Since Venezuela played a significant role in construction
and analyzing potential recommendations for the Population Conference.
I benefitted from the NMUN because I increased my
capacity as an organizer, a mediator, and especially as a written communicator.
Although there were many intelligent
delegates in N.Y.C., many of them do not possess the writing skills necessary
to facilitate other country's understanding of the delegate's objectives.
With my background in writing, I felt more than adequate in drafting and
continually editing proposed recommendations. I think the actual
practice of using my writing skills give me the greatest benefit.
George
Colon
Model U.N. project
is a unique experience. It is a simulation; a game with rules.
Rules
so complete that it simulates life in a society dictated by rules.
So like a child taking his first sip of a glass of wine, cherishing the
moment he can savor the whole glass,
Model
U.N. provides a rehearsal so exciting and refreshing that you cannot but
be impatient to, play, with a grinning confidence, launch yourself into
the real world.
Model U.N.
does not teach you eloquent skills of oratory. It dams the flowing
rivers of insignificant rhetoric inherent in us, and converts it into significant
ear-stimulating, vibrant speeches that will influence, convince, and humour
others.
In a world
where "reaction" can cause disastrous repercussion, it is superlatively
important that we learn to "respond." U.N. teaches you to be responsive
to your allies as well as enemies. How to absorb a situation and
understand positions other than your own. Allowing you to administer the
correct medicine in respective amounts, at the most effective time.
I have no doubt that the majority of U.N. participants at N.Y., if able
to preserve their attitudes without the perversion of modern day politics,
could bring a more harmonious tone to this clamorous world.
Jeffrey
Friedel
The benefits I derived from the participation
in the 1986 NMUN include: improvement upon speaking skills, research
skills, and writing skills, a greater understanding of international affairs,
and most of all the development of leadership qualities.
James Porter
The Model
UN experience went beyond that of a normal class because of its emphasis
on teamwork and independent study. In addition, I believe that it
sharpened by ability to sustain a coherent argument before an unfamiliar
group. The social aspect of Model UN was superb. I established
friendships there more meaningful than the fleeting ones often struck in
other classes.
I feel that I have now a much
firmer grasp on the functioning of the real United Nations. I understand
its committee structure and how it operates within these groups.
Previously when I read of an "issue" coming before the UN, or a "decision"
reached by this body, I had only a vague idea of how and where these
issues and decisions were relevant. I now have a concrete understanding
of the functions and perhaps more important, the limitations of the United
Nations.
The stance of the country of Venezuela
upon various issues was also revealed tome in a fairly clear way.
Who does she tend to back and/or ally with in international affairs and
why? How much influence do she and her supporters in the UN actually
exercise through cooperative action? These are questions I feel I
can answer now with confidence.
I can now
sincerely echo other Model UN veterans and say that the course was by far
the most valuable I have taken during my four years at Rider.
This is because of the diverse blend of skills developed, and because it
is a course that is by nature exciting.
Jay
Sub
I academically achieved the benefit
of continuing to expand my knowledge and understanding of the United Nations.
In addition, I feel that I've increased my speaking ability. This could
be the direct result of qualifying for the chairman position in my committee
this year and having the responsibility of maintaining control through
verbal interaction with all the delegates. I also would like to note that
I made new friendships and acquired valuable inter-personal knowledge by
socializing with my teammates under the NMUN atmosphere.
Michael
C. Zola
Delegation Co-Leader, Economic and
Social Council Plenary Committee
Since this is the second year in
which I have participated in the National Model United Nations, the experience
was nothing new. However, I did experience what it was like to be
part of the NMUN staff. That is, I was the vice-chairman of the
Economic and Social Council Plenary. By being vice-chair, I was
able to take control for the plenary and run the debating the way I thought
it should be done. As a result, we were able to finish our agenda
topics and start another. Our two agenda topics, apartheid and ways
of enforcing the United Nations role in facilitating economic and social
development, helped me to better understand the issues involved in the
practice of apartheid and allowed me to devise my own means of strengthening
the United Nations role in economic and social development. By participating
for a second time in Model U.N., I have developed my speech skills as well
as my leadership abilities.
Being Co-leader of the Venezuelan
delegation was also a rewarding experience. Working with fellow students
and helping to organize the team helped to develop my time management skills.
The ability to work with another student leader on a academic and personal
level has improved my relationship with the other delegation leader as
well as the rest of the team.
The entire
MUN experience -- its two years -- has been a reward of a lifetime.
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