Coming Full Circle

Almost a year ago, we embarked on this journey of "Model United Nations." Sitting in the CLC while Dr. Jones talked about walking the Magnificent Mile, starting research on this little nation in Africa called Niger, and cautioning us that if accepted into the program we would need to spend our summer researching and networking and getting to know each other, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Tomorrow we get to present our experiences, and there are so many to report! Being a part of the Model United Nations gives us merely a glimpse at the intensity of international politics and relations. It's hard to fathom that while our frustration at having to lobby our peers to sign onto resolutions or see things from our point of view could become intolerable, when the real United Nations has to do the same, the effects send a ripple throughout the world.

Being able to be a part of this experience was so meaningful because if our generation does not begin to understand political issues on an international level now, how do we expect to better the world in the future?

Chicago, you have served us well and taught us so much. Stay beautiful until we return!

Well, it's over

We survived. Obviously. It was a long four days consisting of over twelve hours of session a day, but we survived. The draft resolution that I helped write didn't make it to the floor in combined plenary. We ran out of time. So, it is still classified as a draft resolution. Nonetheless, I'm proud of it. There was a time when I would just have a panic attack in situations like that. I actually remained quite calm. Even made a few motions. I didn't have the chance to actually speak, but I'm pleased with my involvement.

I don't really know what to say, really. It would take far too long to describe the entire Model UN experience. It definitely helped expand my knowledge of global politics and I learned pretty good negotiating skills. We never made it to the second topic in first committee, so my knowledge on nuclear proliferation couldn't be put to use. A shame, too. I had a pretty good idea for a resolution.

All in all, I can easily say it was a good experience. One that simply can't be duplicated. One that I certainly wouldn't have participated in if I were at a bigger school. The atmosphere of Columbia College has definitely helped broaden my horizons.

Lacey

Before the speaker