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Model United Nations

Do you ever wish there was a place where voice your opinion on international affairs? Better yet, is there something educational that allows you to make friends at the same time? In a class known as Model United Nations, or M.U.N., students like myself assume the role of an ambassador to the United Nations to find solutions to the problems of today.

Through M.U.N., young people are able to study and discuss global issues. Students research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, and develop solutions to world problems. During a simulation one must employ a variety of communications and critical thinking skills to defend and advance the policies of their country. As I have become an avid member of M.U.N, I have developed my research skills, writing, and public speaking skills. Most importantly of all, I have intergrated skills such as compromise and cooperation when deliberating with fellow delegates.

The popularity of Model U.N. continues to grow, and today more than 200,000 students worldwide participate every year. Many of today's leaders in law, government, and business participated in Model U.N. during their academic careers from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and former World Court Justice Stephen M. Schwebel to actor Samuel L. Jackson. Anyone can participate in Model U.N., so long as they have the ambition to learn something new, and to work with people to try and make a difference in the world.

The next time I stand to voice my ideas for my delegated country, I will be taking a step in leading today's youth into an age of communication and understanding. The Model United Nations continue to be a place where bridges of knowledge are built and others of similar interests meet. As Alexander Graham Bell once said,"Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds."

rofl -Yeah right-