I walk into the conference room, completely overwhelmed. In front of me is a giant room with over one hundred chairs, and at least one hundred professionally dressed students sitting in them. This was my first experience with Model UN, and to say I was unprepared was an understatement. I wanted to run back home and never come back, but we were in Washington, D.C., so unfortunately, that was not an option. Reluctantly, my partner and I, Charlotte White ‘26, sat down and desperately tried to figure out what was going on around us.

Thankfully, we got past our initial bewilderment. We finally got the hang of what was going on and even mustered the courage to stand before the entire committee and deliver a speech! Model UN uses parliamentary procedure, which is confusing to say the least, especially when you have never heard the phrase “moderated caucus” before. Looking back, it probably was not the most eloquent speech ever given, but we were so proud of ourselves in the moment. And, as I look back on this first experience, I am still proud of how we overcame our anxieties.

That initial Model UN competition served as motivation for both Charlotte and me. We did not want to experience the same confusion and fear we felt at that first competition, so we prepared extensively for the other competitions: studying parliamentary procedure, practicing speaking on the spot, and, of course, conducting extensive research on all things foreign affairs. When the time for our next competition came around, which was the winter of our junior year, we felt ready.

This year, Charlotte and I took on the role of Co-Presidents of the Model UN and Congress team. Together, we are able to continue our work on improving our public speaking and research skills while also mentoring younger students. We make sure that no one has to go into their first conference unprepared like we were.

This year’s Model UN and Congress season has been a bittersweet one. On the bright side, I have been able to see all of my hard work pay off. At my most recent competition, Yale Model Congress, I won an award for having the Best Bill in my committee! My bill was about the inspection and impending closure of the immigrant detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz.” My bill was debated, and I was able to defend my stance against other delegates. I had to make many impromptu speeches to large committees, something I never would have been able to do during my first conference two years ago. While I am happy to see how far I have come, I am sad to see my career in high school Model UN and Congress come to an end, as it has been such a pivotal part of my high school experience.