The Beginning of MUN

This whole adventure started out thanks to a friend from my swim team, and it’s turned into something I never expected. Let’s dive in!

So, it was the beginning of my sophomore year when I finally joined Model UN. One of my swim friends had been talking to me about it since freshman year. He was really into MUN and kept telling me how awesome it was. Honestly, at first, I wasn’t that interested. I was just trying to survive my freshman year, you know? New school, new people—it was a lot to handle. Making friends and adjusting to a new environment took up most of my energy.

My friend, though, was on a mission. He was reaching out to everyone, trying to get more people to join MUN because the club was pretty small. Not many people at our school were into diplomatic stuff, so he had his work cut out for him. He kept talking about how fun it was and how it helped him with public speaking and confidence. I was skeptical but also kind of intrigued.

During freshman year, I was more focused on just getting through school. It was tough making friends and getting used to a completely new school district. Joining clubs wasn’t really on my radar; I was more about trying to find my footing and figuring out how to navigate this new chapter of my life.

But then, sophomore year rolled around, and I felt a bit more settled. My swim friend’s enthusiasm for MUN hadn’t wavered. He kept inviting me to come to a meeting, and I finally gave in. I thought, why not give it a shot? At the very least, it would be something different, and who knows, maybe I’d learn something new.

Walking into my first MUN meeting was a mix of nerves and curiosity. The club was small, just as my friend had said, but the people there were passionate about what they were doing. They were discussing global issues, debating policies, and practicing their public speaking skills. It was a whole new world, and I was intrigued.

As the weeks went by, I started getting more involved. The members were welcoming and eager to help me understand how MUN worked. We’d have mock debates, practice sessions, and discussions about current events. It was challenging but also exciting. I was learning to think on my feet, articulate my thoughts, and see things from different perspectives.

One of the biggest surprises was how much my theater and improv background helped me. The skills I’d developed on stage—confidence, quick thinking, and dealing with different reactions—translated well into MUN. I found myself more comfortable speaking in front of others, making arguments, and handling the pressure of debates.

My friend was right; MUN was a fantastic way to build public speaking skills and gain confidence. It also opened my eyes to global issues and the importance of diplomacy. I started seeing the world in a new light, understanding the complexities of international relations and the significance of cooperation and negotiation.

Joining MUN also helped me make new friends. The club became a community where we supported each other, shared ideas, and worked together. It made my sophomore year much more enjoyable and enriching.

Looking back, I’m grateful to my swim friend for pushing me to join MUN. It’s been a journey of growth and discovery, adding another layer to my high school experience. From struggling to make friends and fit in during freshman year to finding a new passion and a supportive community, MUN has been a game-changer.

Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Whether it’s on stage, in the pool, or debating global issues, each experience helps shape who I am.