The world is full of political figures and government systems that make numerous important decisions for their country’s citizens and supporters. Although CHS offers countless clubs, one of them focuses specifically on the role political figures play in the world around us. For the Model UN Club, educating its members about this kind of work is of top priority.
Just like getting into anything new, joining a club can be scary and nerve-wracking for certain students. However, senior Shae Adams knew when she saw the Model UN table, that it was something she really wanted to participate in.
“I went to the club fair during my freshman year, and I saw the Model UN club,” Adams said. “ I’ve always had an interest in politics and international relations. I thought it’d be a fun, good activity to add to college applications, especially since I knew I would progress up to a leadership position.”
Model UN club not only teaches about the foreign world and relations but also creates lifelong bonds and friendships. Senior Patrick Mason touches on how he hopes to entice newcomers into not only feeling welcomed but also wanting to come back to the club.
“During our meetings, we especially try to spotlight newcomers,” Mason said. “A lot of the people that we have on this team right now weren’t on the team last year. So we try our best to explain model United Nations, make it very engaging, and constantly reach out with recruitment towards younger and people who just haven’t been in the club before.”
Mason especially wants to recruit young members in order to educate them about the current state of the world. He talks about how foreign policies and politics are serious topics that not many younger students are educated on.
“We want to get people aware of their surroundings because unfortunately, not a lot of people are aware of the world that is around them,” Mason said. “A lot of people get stuck in their echo chambers believing what only the people around them believe.”
Adams also feels the Model UN Club has shaped her future career goals. She believes the knowledge she has gained from participating in the club is truly beneficial to her life and future career.
“It’s improved by public speaking a lot,” Adams said. “Combined with speech and debate, I can give speeches in front of large crowds. From Model UN I’ve learned how to collaborate a lot more with people and explored a lot of different perspectives.”
Other than speaking skills, there is another valuable skill that students learn throughout their time in Model UN. Mason mentions that to be successful in any foreign debate or politics, the skill of negotiation is a must-have.
“Negotiation is also a really important skill to have,” Mason said. “You need to know when to pull your punches and how to negotiate to get the things you want properly. It has a lot of great deal-making skills, and it also gives you a lot of insight into what’s really going on across the world.”
Mason mentions that he loves being part of the Model UN Club and that he truly believes in the benefits it provides for all club members. He hopes to keep growing the club and reach as many people as possible with one main goal aside
“The biggest goal, I think, is just to have fun,” Mason said. “We don’t have as many conferences as say, like a speech in a debate or a lot of other competitive clubs, but we want to do two things, have fun and make sure that all of our members are having a great time.”