Summer may have brought an end to the 2011-2012 Model UN conferences, but it certainly did not stifle MUN activities. The inaugural Yale Model United Nations Institute (YMUNI), a Model UN summer camp co-sponsored by Best Delegate, was held during the week of June 17-23 and taught participants like myself about Model UN strategies and more.
Alli Gillespie, a YMUNI camper from San Antonio, Texas, answers a few questions about her experience.
Q: What was your favorite part about YMUNI?
A: Every element of YMUNI was phenomenal, but if I had to choose a favorite part it would have to be our visit to the United Nations and US Embassy. A lot of us aspire to put our MUN skills into action in the real world, so getting to talk personally with the US Ambassador was a fantastic experience.
Q: What outside of MUN skills did YMUNI teach you?
A: I went to YMUNI and came out of it with advanced leadership training, business management proficiency, in-depth knowledge on the Euro Crisis and deterrence in the 21st century, and a greater understanding of how all human beings are connected.
Q: How do you think MUN will help you in the future?
A: MUN has given me the public speaking and debate skills necessary for a future career in politics. There is no doubt in my mind that MUN has exponentially increased my chance of future success.
Stories like Alli’s are all-too-common when students are exposed to everything Model UN has to offer: lifelong skills, lifelong friends, and an overall increase of knowledge in everything from environmental issues to the new national beginnings of Kosovo.
And now, with the 2012-2013 Model UN conference season on the rise, delegates worldwide will thrive in new experiences with interesting debate and international collaboration. Best case scenario: students will take as much away from their experiences as Alli and I did through YMUNI.
For more information about Yale Model UN Institute, please visit http://ymuni.yira.org/
