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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

Home, Sweet Home!

We survived the Model UN!!!! ~YAY~ I am so thankful for the opportunity to have traveled with the other Columbia College delegates and I can truly say that Dr. Jones is a character (if you didn't already know..lol)!!! It has been a long and rewarding journey as I take the time to look back on my experiences throughout the conference. As I've stated many times in my other posts; I met a lot of interesting students from around the globe...yes globe. Participating in the Model UN has broadened my perspective on International Relations, and has made me realize that as an American we cannot be selfish and unwilling to learn and explore other cultures. I got to learn the In's and Out's of diplomatic courtesy, caucusing, and acceptable business attire. The Chicago Hilton hotel was beautifully located on Michigan Ave, which is near numerous shopping and eatery venues. I recommend that all Columbia College students take the time to apply for the Model UN, I guarantee that you will learn new and interesting facts of various countries, not to mention make some new friends! You don't have to be a Political Science major/minor to take part in the Model UN. Upon our safe return to Columbia, our punctual driver Dr. Sharkey made sure that we were picked up from the airport safely. I absolutely adore Chicago, minus the cold weather; other than that it's a city of multiple cultures unlike any other. I'm glad to be home and anticipating the end of the semester. If you have any questions be sure to ask any of the delegates and of course, Dr. Jones! We're home and we have survived! Courage, commitment, confidence, and competence is what it's all about!!!!!!

Now that I've had some time to reflect on the events in Chicago, I wanted to share those experiences with everyone else. As most of my fellow delegates have said, the free time in Chicago was amazing. I went the aquarium, ate at a quaint authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy, did some shopping, did some sightseeing, but most important of all, I learned a lot about the way the United Nations is run. I participated in MUN in high school, but I was never in a committee like the Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND). In this committee, we discussed the intravenous drug use and its relation to HIV/AIDS and the control of opiates for medicinal needs. Niger has a conservative opinion about narcotics, that is to say that Niger does not tolerate the use or trafficing of narcotics. We spent much of our time in session discussing the first topic about HIV/AIDS and intravaneous drugs and writing resolutions on the subject. The CND is a body whose primary purpose it to submit a report to The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); however, we didn't get around the making the report until about the 3rd day. During this discussion I was able to learn much about other countries' policies on drug control. The remainer of the time we spent on the second topic and writing its report. The most valuable part of AMUN to me was not only the knowledge I gained about the UN, but also the friendships I made while doing it. I am so grateful for this experience and the oportunities of knowlegde and friendship it has brought me.

Reflecting on the trip

Wow... as I keep thinking back at everything our team got done in Chicago all I can say is wow! I know so many of us had a part in so many resolutions. Not to brag, but we Columbia College ladies can hold our own against some of the best schools in the country. I secretly enjoy when students form other schools assume that since we're smaller (or all women) that we won't be as prepared... the looks on their faces... priceless.

The trip was amazing. I had no idea how much of a rush the whole experience would be. I knew I'd enjoy it, but not to the extent that I did. It's one thing to spend the whole semester studying about a country and how the UN works, and it's another thing to acutally live it. It's almost like studying a foreign language... the difference between reading from books and actually going to the country. Working with the UN is now officialy on my "jobs I'd love to have" list.

I know we were all exhausted, meetings started early and went all day, but having had the last few days to rest (I did nothing but sleep the first day home) I have an even better appreciation of what we learned. Really... all I can say is wow.

Thanks for reading,

Lindsey