By Marina Cosmas and Gabby Rodriguez – Staff Reporters

The Model U.N. Club recently took a trip to the National High School United Nations Conference held in New York City from March 18-21. 

Students said the conference was a busy event with many fun experiences in and out of the debates.

“This trip, like every year, was filled with laughs and smiles amongst the 17 hours of debate,” senior Fiorella Gargiulo said. “When we step out of committee, we find things to accomplish around New York, eat great food, and prepare for a night of fun at the delegate dance.” 

This year, Jonathan Law represented Bolivia, Estonia, and Angola, and the conference had a huge turnout.

“It was a huge event with over 5,000 students present from around the world,” Advisor Mr. Evanko said

Model U.N. gives students the chance to have different viewpoints. Students have the opportunity to gain essential skills such as public speaking, research, and critical thinking.

“Model U.N. has changed the way I think about world issues, as it gives me varying perspectives on a multitude of issues,” senior David Guery said. “Different countries have different ways to attack the same issues, as they are all affected by them in different ways.”

The trip was not only a learning experience – it was also a chance for students to make new memories together. 

“My favorite part of the trip, other than the committees, was exploring the city,” junior Sam Matist said. “It was such a great experience from learning a lot about Model U.N. and having time to hang out with my friends.”

Students at Law were able to speak and debate about the countries they represented.

“We did well for the most part, basically everyone spoke and came up with something to debate about in their committees and blocks, where we developed solutions to our respective issues. So overall, we did pretty solid,” President Aryan Sikhinam says. 

The delegate dance was a memorable experience of this trip. This dance allowed students to foster community and build relationships while not focusing on the stressful debates that had happened earlier in the day. 

“The delegate dance was very crowded, very hyper, and very sweaty, so it was 100 percent the most chaotic moment of the trip,” Guery said. 

Model U.N is a chance for students to speak and discuss issues. The club as a whole demonstrates how students are able to put in work and research as preparation to speak out.

“I’d recommend anyone interested in public speaking and discussing world issues to join this club,” senior Layla Alogna said. “It’s great practice and a way to meet people from all over the world.”