2008 Woodie Awards
Model U.N. offers students eye-opening experience
Peter Kaspari/Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Lifestyles
Two weeks ago, for the 22nd consecutive year, a group of Simpson students traveled to St. Louis to take part in the annual Model United Nations conference.
From Wednesday, Feb. 13 until Saturday, Feb. 16, students participated in a real-life simulation of how the United Nations actually functions.
"Each college is responsible for a country, and they try and vote as their country would [to pass an act]," junior Andrew Reid said.
According to Eduardo Magalhaes, professor of political science, it's difficult to define how well a team did at the event.
"What typically happens is students gain a comfort in public speaking," Magalhaes said. "Some will come in very quiet, but by the end of the weekend, they are expressing themselves in their groups."
The procedure for Model U.N. involves each of the committees speaking in shifts.
"I was representing Australia," Reid said. "We went third, and then voted on the first committee's resolution."
This is far from the only Model U.N. in the nation. According to Magalhaes, there are several around the continent.
"There is one in New York, which is actually at the real United Nations," Magalhaes said. "There is also one in Chicago that takes place in the fall. There's one in the west and one in the south."
The most unique Model U.N. that Simpson has been invited to isn't even in this country.
"There's also one in Toronto," Magalhaes said. "I've gotten solicitations for it in the past, but it's very expensive."
Freshman Emily Davis, who attended because of her major, felt that the experience was very beneficial.
"I thought it went really well," Davis said. "I enjoyed learning from other people and getting to know more about it."
Reid, who also attended Model U.N. for the first time, said that while the experience was good, there were some parts he felt were unrealistic.
"Small countries' representatives were taking over the conversation," Reid said. "Some people have this as a grade and need to have their name on the resolutions."
From Wednesday, Feb. 13 until Saturday, Feb. 16, students participated in a real-life simulation of how the United Nations actually functions.
"Each college is responsible for a country, and they try and vote as their country would [to pass an act]," junior Andrew Reid said.
According to Eduardo Magalhaes, professor of political science, it's difficult to define how well a team did at the event.
"What typically happens is students gain a comfort in public speaking," Magalhaes said. "Some will come in very quiet, but by the end of the weekend, they are expressing themselves in their groups."
The procedure for Model U.N. involves each of the committees speaking in shifts.
"I was representing Australia," Reid said. "We went third, and then voted on the first committee's resolution."
This is far from the only Model U.N. in the nation. According to Magalhaes, there are several around the continent.
"There is one in New York, which is actually at the real United Nations," Magalhaes said. "There is also one in Chicago that takes place in the fall. There's one in the west and one in the south."
The most unique Model U.N. that Simpson has been invited to isn't even in this country.
"There's also one in Toronto," Magalhaes said. "I've gotten solicitations for it in the past, but it's very expensive."
Freshman Emily Davis, who attended because of her major, felt that the experience was very beneficial.
"I thought it went really well," Davis said. "I enjoyed learning from other people and getting to know more about it."
Reid, who also attended Model U.N. for the first time, said that while the experience was good, there were some parts he felt were unrealistic.
"Small countries' representatives were taking over the conversation," Reid said. "Some people have this as a grade and need to have their name on the resolutions."
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former Model U.N. particpant
posted 3/01/08 @ 11:41 PM CST
I went to Model U.N. for my junior and senior years, and the whole point of going was for a great weekend drinking with friends. I would advise anyone of going (it's better if you are 21), as it was a truly fun experience that I miss. (Continued…)
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