Photo credit: Allie McIntyre

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS | Retaining first-hand experience, sophomore and vice president Aine Mahoney reflects on her growth as a leader. “I definitely developed a lot more research and public speaking skills,” Mahoney said.

Ready to debrief a new simulation, sophomore and Model UN vice president Aine Mahoney walks into the classroom to prepare for the meeting.  As an underclassmen leader of a growing club, she guides peers in developing various skills that can be utilized both inside and outside of their meetings.

Model UN provides an outlet for students to brush up on many different academic skills and debate global issues students normally wouldn’t engage with. Social studies teacher and Model UN advisor Brent Maynard states that it is a great way to improve the way students think.  

“They learn about international issues and how to view them from a diverse perspective,” Maynard said. “That makes critical thinking in a quick manner of speaking, writing, and being able to diplomatically solve issues.” 

The relevance of the material in the club appeals to sophomore Glenn Moskaluk.  Moskaluk states that he is able to see how diverse world leaders view topics, and then represent that opinion in a discussion.

 “It appeals to me in the diplomatic aspects,” Moskaluk said. “How you aren’t NATO but you still have to discuss worldwide questions, everything has an impact later on.” 

Model UN is not limited to helping understand global challenges, as students can grow in various ways. Mahoney reflects on the impact that the club has had on her skills, such as navigating ideas from a different point of view.

 “It’s definitely helped me with research,” Mahoney said.  “I’ve been able to be a lot more thorough and bring multiple perspectives to my writing” 

Mirroring Mahoney’s growth in skills,  Junior Leilani Feltman applies knowledge obtained every day outside of the club.

“In everyday life, you learn the skill [and] bring your point across without directly arguing with people but being able to debate in a controlled environment,” Feltman said.

While taking pleasure in influencing the Model UN environment, Mahoney reads off a speaker’s list and directs each assigned country to present their view on a certain topic.

“I like having more hands-on [experience] and being able to shape our simulation more,” Mahoney said.

Even though Model UN has a complex nature when it comes to representing a complicated position, according to Glenn Moskaluk, he highlights it is not always negative.

“Being able to play [as a nation] brings in a whole different aspect of what you would do compared to what world leaders are doing,” said Moskaluk

The complexity of Model UN is managed by Maynard’s experience, who has  advised Model UN since he began teaching. 

“I really liked it a lot and it got me more involved in modern world issues when I am oftentimes kind of like just a history nerd,” Maynard said.

Model UN is a club where a student can learn various skills. As vice president, Mahoney is grateful for her personal growth as a foundation to cater leadership. 

“I definitely really liked having more involvement in the club because I really enjoyed it last year,” Mahoney said.