By Cora Aitkenhead – News Editor 

Jonathan Law’s Model U.N. Club is a popular and highly impactful club teaching students about international affairs, diplomacy, and global issues through both an international conference and prior preparation. Advocate News Editor Cora Aitkenhead interviewed Co-President Harshitha Kothapalli about the club and her experience as a Co-President. 

CA: What are your responsibilities as a Co-President of the club?

HK: Our main responsibilities are running meetings and coordinating our annual NHSMUN conference which is four days in New York City. We teach parliamentary procedure, conduct debates, and support our other officers through their duties.

CA: What is the most important step of preparation for this trip? 

HK: The most important step is that the trip is financially accessible to everyone who is chosen to attend. With that comes days of fundraising and hours of planning. This year we plan on utilizing various Shake the Cans, Double Good, and Snap Raise to fundraise! 

CA: What is your favorite memory from a Model U.N. trip?

HK: My favorite memory from the trip is representing countries we would have never thought to learn about. Being able to brainstorm with people anywhere from Mexico and Italy to California and New York is such a unique experience. 

CA: What is the biggest takeaway, or thing that you and other kids learn from this program?

HK: I’ve seen so many of our members and officers flourish in this environment. The public speaking skills and professionalism we learn are lessons we will continue to use throughout our lives. 

CA:  What happens during the actual conference and during your preparation meetings? 

HK: During the conference, we represent one country and from their point of view we take on the issue at hand. We are split up into different committees and we work together with our delegates to reach a solution, write papers, and eventually pass one or more resolutions all over seven committee sessions.