Model U.N. was a profound experience that I will forever cherish as one of the favorite memories of my undergraduate career. The opportunity to assume the role of a country in the world arena and prepare an argument on that country’s behalf, while respecting the interests and foreign policy of that country, was quite a challenge. Knowing that your knowledge would be on full display for all of the other Model U.N. representatives to see was motivating to say the least.

I expected to become more familiar with the role of my country in the United Nations Security Council. I expected to have a better understanding of the diplomatic processes and procedures. What I didn’t expect was a full, rigorous exercising of my public speaking, writing, communicating and problem solving skills. I didn’t expect to connect on such a personal level with both domestic and international students of all different backgrounds, origins and beliefs. I certainly did not expect that nearly a week after the Model United Nations had finished, I would be making adjustments as to how I volunteer my time, how I see my future as a graduate student and how I contemplate my perspective career choices. All of these based on the things that I was able to draw from this experience.

The interactive environment in which we debate these pertinent, world issues with equally prepared and enthusiastic, multi-background-students is an unparalleled opportunity that I would recommend to any college student seeking to make the most of his or her college experience. This experience provided me with an unprecedented arena in which to exercise my polemic, reasoning and communication skills.

I can not stress enough how influential and important a program like this can be. A positive, collective experience such as takes place at Model United Nations, where students can connect with similarly driven and goal oriented peers over crucial humanitarian and global issues is absolutely inspirational. The degree to which it is possible that The Model United Nations and programs like it can change young student’s lives, thus changing the world as we know it, cannot be overstated.

The future of our planet and of humanity is in the palms of the hands of the students of today. The experiences like those which take place at the Model United Nations will influence and impact the decisions of these students as they continue to grow into the future world leaders, actors and decision makers of tomorrow.

I would sincerely like to thank Indiana University Southeast for sponsoring such a fantastic educational opportunity. Without this financial support I know that many students, including myself, would not be able to participate in this event.

I would also like to thank Dr. Staten for his constant enthusiasm, guidance and support. I sincerely believe that level of commitment that Dr. Staten gives to the program is essential to its life and the profound effect that it has had on me.

Sincerely,

Ryan Cannon

International relations senior