Model UN (MUN) has been busy this year. They have attended three conferences so far, one at University of Virginia, one at University of Pennsylvania and one at Georgetown University. Members of the club have been preparing for a conference at George Mason in the near future and are ready to take on up to three more conferences before the end of the school year.
While their schedules may be packed, Model UN has also been thriving at each competition. At the conference at University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 27, 19 out of the 29 members representing the Eagles received an award and multiple representatives were named “best delegate.”
“I’m proud of all our members this year. After two years of competing being almost impossible, representatives from all four grade levels have had fantastic performances at this year’s conferences. In my eyes, each and every one of them deserves an award,” said Mr. Carl Cardozo, co-moderator.
Senior and co-president Charlie Meyer has been active in MUN since his sophomore year and credits the charismatic personalities of former members for his interest. Meyer said the club provided him with a space to discuss international issues.
Meyer also said underclassmen involvement in the club has greatly increased this year. MUN is made up of roughly 35 active members, and all four grade levels are well represented. At the the club’s March 3 meeting, four freshmen, seven sophomores, 12 juniors and 12 seniors attended. MUN, at its heart, is a club about international relations and will welcome anyone with a safe space to discuss world issues.
“MUN would give me opportunities to speak in front of crowds of people I did not know and become confident in my ability to do so. While I joined for the debate, I stayed for the friends. During long bus rides to conferences and long nights at hotels, I became close to some of my best friends I have at Gonzaga and am planning to continue with MUN all four years here. Overall, I think the club is a great experience and am so glad I joined,” said Max Dunn, freshman.
Like Dunn, Meyer said the best part about the club is going to conferences. Attending MUN conferences gives members the chance to explore new cities, deepen their friendships and compete against representatives from other schools.
Aside from debates on international relations, MUN prepares members well for life in the real world. Meyer said the most important skills he learned from the club are social communication, collaboration and time management. Proficiency in these skills is sure to carry over into college and the real world.
In the future, MUN hopes to gain more members, host its own conference and increase the number of members who participate in conferences.
If you are interested in travel, debate, international relations or even just finding a new, unique community at Gonzaga, Model UN might be the perfect fit for you.
To join Gonzaga Model UN, stop by Room 225 and chat with Mr. Cardozo or email either Charlie Meyer [email protected] or Tyler Kaczmarek at [email protected].
