Another school year also means returning delegates (as well as newbies!) for a brand new, potential-filled MUN season. With Thursday MUN meetings already having started, delegates are eager to get their voices heard through debating and finding solutions to weekly topics. Short interviews were conducted with both returning and new delegates, in order to get a feel for what MUN is all about.

What is the best thing about MUN?

Paola Lindo (11)

Thee best thing about MUN, for me, was that it was a door opener for my high-school career. Because of my participation in MUN, I gained confidence in myself, which is something that I always need to work on. MUN increased my confidence so that I could make presentations and be active in classes, get involved in theatre– not just that, but even to try out for cross country. It allowed me to be comfortable with speaking to new people and voicing my opinions. Confidence. That is something that you don’t only use in the MPB 3 on Thursday MUN meetings, but throughout all of the paths you might take in your life. That is the best thing about MUN.

What are some strategies to be successful in MUN?

Austin Gallagher (12)

To be successful in MUN you really have to put in the effort. Similar to sports, or the arts, you get out what you put into MUN. If you have a question, ask it, if you have a speech, say it. Whatever you do will give you experience for next time and the feedback you’ll receive from Dr. Eales and Ms. Soule can really improve your ability to properly voice your ideas effectively, not just in MUN, but in general. My personal tip for beginners is to write down your questions, it might just be a sentence or two, but it’s important to know what you’re saying before you stand up to speak just in case you get a little bit nervous.

What advice would you give to the first year delegates in MUN?

Toby Wertime (12)

My advice would be to truly immerse yourself in the situation. I joined in 10th grade and I was kind of shy to participate. But I realized it was worth taking risks so I started to give speeches and participate more. Even if I failed a couple of times it made me a much better MUN’er.

Why did you decide to join MUN?

Chris Rogers (11)

I joined MUN because it sounds like an intellectual environment where public speaking and debate skills can be practiced (also suits are cool). I’m most hoping that by the end of the season, I’ll gain a better understanding of current events in the world.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of MUN?

Izzy Armitage (11)

As I am new to MUN this year, I am looking forward to analyzing current events, extending my political knowledge and using my prior knowledge of human rights to advocate for a country that I have previously not studied. I joined to improve my public speaking skills and get experience in this field, as this may be an optional career field for the future. I feel like expressing myself creatively through MUN will be beneficial to the traits I wish to improve, and I am looking forward to the petty conversation between countries and the hopeful improvement of my writing through position papers and resolutions.

“It was a door opener for my high-school career… I gained confidence in myself, which is something that I always need to work on.”

All the ISB delegates are excited to work hard, gain experience, and improve throughout the season; not to mention, this year’s MUN conference will be hosted at ISB this November. Be sure to stay tuned for more features on MUN and their progress throughout the season on PantherNation!

Stella K