BY CALEB TOBIN
Students in the Model United Nations club recently spent a week in New York City practicing their diplomatic skills.
The students represented two nations in simulated United Nations committees during the National Model United Nations conference, interacting with students from across the globe.
The club placed in the top 15% among 250 colleges and universities from over 35 countries, Friday’s Academic Affairs update noted.
“This year we represented two nations, Nepal and Comoros, and our delegates tackled issues ranging from greater protection of indigenous people to eradicating rural poverty,” said Andrew Parker, ’24, co-president of the club. Parker has been a member for four years.
Parker said the Stonehill delegation works with other delegations to pass resolutions addressing a wide variety of topics. In their free time, students get to explore New York City, Central Park, and Times Square.
“The goal of the simulation is to gain a greater knowledge of the world around us, along with developing skills such as diplomacy, compromise, and public speaking,” Parker said.
Members of the club spent months preparing for the conference.
“Here at Stonehill, we spend the months leading up to the conference preparing students for the simulation. This preparation usually entails writing position papers for each committee and teaching students about how the simulation is conducted,” said Will Florio, ’25, co-president of the club. Florio has been a member of the club for three years.
Florio said it is easy to find yourself in a bubble when attending a small school like Stonehill, but participating in the club and meeting students from Japan, China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and other countries has been a rewarding experience that has broadened his view of the world.
“Model United Nations provided me with that opportunity for the first time in my life, and it really broadened my horizons and expanded my worldview,” Florio said. He said he stays in contact with other students he has met at conferences.
First-time members of the club said the experience was worth the months of preparation and work before the conference.
Freshman John Devereaux said he joined the club after hearing Professor Kirk Buckman, the club’s advisor, speak highly of it.
“This was my first conference, and it was very intimidating and honestly a lot of work, but I had a great time,” Devereaux said. He said being a part of the club allowed him to take part in some unique experiences.
“We got a guided tour of the U.N., and our closing ceremonies were held in the general assembly chamber,” Devereaux said.
Devereaux said he recommends giving the club a try.
“I had no idea what it was like or what I was doing, but you get in there and you figure it out. The people here at Stonehill and from other schools at the conference are very kind and helpful and will work with you in whatever way you need. It is unquestionably intimidating at first, but you get into the groove pretty quick. Just give it a try at least. The experience is worth it,” Devereaux said.
Comments