The Model UN Experience - Katy Bates
Hey y'all!
So I should start by saying that my Model UN Experience was definitely interesting! As a part of the Economic and Social Council or ECOSOC, Kayla and I were able to see a different side of the UN. Instead of having only two issues, we had three: The Importance of Science and Technology, Violence against Women and Girls (perfect for a Columbia College lady), and Humanitarian Aid (perfect for a Somalian). After spending all of the first day arguing over which topic to be discussed first, it was clear that being a Diplomat is easier said than done. It was also interesting that the typical voting "blocks" did not always work out. It went from the AU, EU, etc., to random countries such as Madagascar, Denmark, and Indonesia working together. It was definitely interesting to see how people were able to agree and disagree on different issues. Our committee was also entertaining. People really like to take it seriously. We even had the Representative from Cuba show up with a camouflage jacket, fake scruffy beard, and a cigar (unlit, of course).
I will have to say that my favorite part was being in Chicago. It is definitely a great city (except for the wind part)! I loved walking the "Magnificent Mile" and eating with the "Locals". My favorite purchase turned out to be a $2.00 knit hat from Walgreen's that saved my ears!!! They are not kidding when they say, "The Windy City."
Overall, it was a great learning experience! Being a UN Delegate is harder than it looks. You really have to know everything about every country and every issue to really understand what it going on. I'll have to admit that I might have to stick to State and National politics for now! :)
So I should start by saying that my Model UN Experience was definitely interesting! As a part of the Economic and Social Council or ECOSOC, Kayla and I were able to see a different side of the UN. Instead of having only two issues, we had three: The Importance of Science and Technology, Violence against Women and Girls (perfect for a Columbia College lady), and Humanitarian Aid (perfect for a Somalian). After spending all of the first day arguing over which topic to be discussed first, it was clear that being a Diplomat is easier said than done. It was also interesting that the typical voting "blocks" did not always work out. It went from the AU, EU, etc., to random countries such as Madagascar, Denmark, and Indonesia working together. It was definitely interesting to see how people were able to agree and disagree on different issues. Our committee was also entertaining. People really like to take it seriously. We even had the Representative from Cuba show up with a camouflage jacket, fake scruffy beard, and a cigar (unlit, of course).
I will have to say that my favorite part was being in Chicago. It is definitely a great city (except for the wind part)! I loved walking the "Magnificent Mile" and eating with the "Locals". My favorite purchase turned out to be a $2.00 knit hat from Walgreen's that saved my ears!!! They are not kidding when they say, "The Windy City."
Overall, it was a great learning experience! Being a UN Delegate is harder than it looks. You really have to know everything about every country and every issue to really understand what it going on. I'll have to admit that I might have to stick to State and National politics for now! :)
posted by kabates08 | 7:32 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home