On Thursday, January 15th, students in Clarkstown North’s Model United Nations left to attend the 52nd annual Yale United Nations. Members of the club were given a country or delegation to represent, and with that they were assigned a committee. Each student was part of committees ranging from Afghanistan in the World Bank to Fred from Spongebob Squarepants in a Crisis in Bikini Bottom. Students spent weeks preparing position papers, research, and opening speeches to make the most of this trip.
But with the intense preparation for this trip comes the fun. Thanks to Mrs. Macias and Mr. O’Grady, North’s Model UN also attended Yale Day. Students got to explore the Yale museum, learn about the 15 million books present in the Yale Library, and discover the city of New Haven.
For many students, the experience of this trip taught them much more than the art of debate. Freshman Maeve McCarthy states, “YMUN taught me so much about life skills and about college, walking to class, getting food, and meeting so many people from all over the world. I had so much fun and can’t wait to go next year!” As a first-timer on the trip, she found it to be extremely enriching and a great learning experience. Similarly, freshman Melinda Nycz said, “YMUN was some of the most fun I have had through North so far. It not only taught me how to debate and think of ideas to solve real problems; however, it also helped me learn life skills like public speaking, making friends with people you have never met, and even how to survive in the real world.” Students were able to meet people from all over the world, from over 40 countries, helping them gain social skills and new friends.
Experienced upperclassmen reflected on their experiences over the years of attending Yale Model United Nations as well. Junior Mariia Tsvihun said, “Overall, MUN is one of the most enriching clubs a student can be part of here at North. It helps students understand international affairs and connects the real world to this. Yale MUN continues this enrichment and is one of the rarest experiences a student can have, as it brings together people from all over the world, allowing participants to engage with different perspectives, positions, and ways of thinking.”
Over time, students have gained a rich understanding of Model UN and have grown a love for it from this amazing experience. “Throughout these trips, I’ve learned collaboration and just being confident in my public speaking. I’ve learned how to just get up and speak, and that it’s okay even if you mess up or stutter,” said club president Lana DeLeon. “Mrs. Macias always makes the trip so much fun, and I love connecting with everybody. It’s also amazing meeting people from all over the world.”
Overall, this trip is much more than just a conference; it’s a meaningful and memorable experience for the students involved with Model UN.
