Model UN conference brings accolades

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Model United Nations (MUN) Conference was held in March this year. It was the ninth conference, and 67 students, pursuing 15 different degrees, represented 21 countries. 

"The MUN Conference is a great platform for UNG students to hone their public speaking and research skills. It encourages students to be comfortable being in someone else's shoes and be effective at communicating with a wide range of people," Dr. Bibek Chand, associate professor of Political Science & International Affairs, said.

First-time participant Lauren Tisdale, a junior pursuing a degree in history, is from Auburn, Georgia. Her post-graduation goal is to pursue a legal career in civil rights or public interest law. Tisdale joined the club to become more involved in the political science department.

"This opportunity has allowed me to explore my interests in public and international affairs. Throughout my time with the club, I have been able to improve my public speaking skills as well as apply what I'm learning in my courses to more real-world topics and issues," she said. 

Tisdale portrayed a delegate from Australia and received an honorable mention award for her efforts.

For Sofia Quiros, a junior from Cleveland, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science, the opportunity to serve as main chair of the dais, was an opportunity to hone her skills before she enters the public policy arena.

"Model UN brings so many great opportunities to students that they may not realize at first. Skills such as public speaking, research and writing are things that we work on consistently to help morph each other into the leaders of tomorrow," Quiros said.

She also wanted to dispel the common misconception that Model UN is intended solely for political science students.

"The great thing about this conference and the club in general is that we cover topics from anything such as health care necessities to this year's topic, refugees' rights, that makes it welcoming for every major offered here at UNG," Quiros said. "It's incredible to see how much more confident students walk out of the conference, and I hope to see many familiar faces at the next one."

Justin Wlosko, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs with a minor in Korean. He credits MUN as an inspiration for choosing his degree.

“The model United Nations event was something I've always wanted to participate in,” Wlosko said. “The main reason I decided to become an international affairs major was due to my interest in how countries interacted on a global scale. Having just received Fulbright to teach in Korea, my ability to better understand the foundations of how countries interact gives me an even stronger appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural communication and international cooperation.”

Wlosko, along with teammate Felipe Darquea, was awarded "Best Delegate" out of 21 teams.

“Working on papers, creating deals and opportunities for states to work together -- it genuinely was one of the more fun experiences I've had at the college-level, and I couldn't recommend it enough. I was able to make a ton of friends at the event, but I also found myself to be significantly more educated on both diplomacy and current issues,” Wlosko said.

The event acknowledges excellence among delegates and bestowed the following honors:

Best Delegates (two awards):

The Philippines

• Felipe Darquea, a senior from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science
• Justin Wlosko, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs with a minor in Korean

South Korea

• Sydnie Reid, a senior from Hartwell, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs
• Elizabeth Chirillo, a sophomore from Newnan, Georgia, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies
• Minkwang Jo, an exchange student from Seoul, South Korea, pursuing a degree in management

Best Delegate Honorable Mention (two awards):

Australia

• Lauren Tisdale, a junior from Auburn, Georgia, pursuing a degree in history
• Spencer Dow, a junior from Suwanee, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science

Mexico

• Catie Long, a senior from Cornelia, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs
• Kevin Mendoza, a freshman from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science
• Melani Sotelo-Leon, a senior from Greensboro, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs

Most Diplomatic (two awards):

Germany

• Phoenix Rabe, a sophomore from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science
• Clayton Clark, a junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science

 Mongolia

• Patrick Janke, a senior from Hiram, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies
• Sylas Sisson, a senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies
• Jacob Barnhill, a sophomore from Canton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science

Most in Character (2 awards):

Japan

• Joshua Addison, a senior from Murrayville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs
• Maty Fricks, a sophomore from Pendergrass, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology
• Kenz Johnson-Tucker, a senior from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in computer science

Jordan

• Catherine Leguizamon, a senior from Murrayville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs
• Mabell Mercure, a freshman from Jasper, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs

MUN, a two-campus club advised by Chand on the Gainesville Campus and Dr. Jonathan Miner on the Dahlonega Campus, welcomes new members.