IzzyCampie

From Feb. 5-9, 16 Marian students traveled to Chicago to participate in the University of Chicago’s Model United Nations Conference (MUNUC). Marian students first attended the conference in 2022 and have returned each year since. 

At the conference, the students collaborated with people from around the world to tackle global issues. The experience allowed students to research important topics and develop their public speaking skills.

Marian students represented Luxembourg and Switzerland while writing draft resolutions and discussing world issues through speeches. Sophomore Lilly Day’s experience shaped her understanding of democracy and global issues. 

“This trip helped me understand how to combat certain problems in the world using the information I researched on my own country, as well as learning how other countries deal with economic and historical backgrounds to shape their stance,” Day said.

For many participants, working with students from other schools was a highlight of the experience. “It was so much fun meeting people from other schools and being able to work with them to get a final resolution and also be able to meet new people outside of your committee,” Day said. “The experience is so much better if you talk to new people.”

The preparation leading up to the conference is crucial for the success of the conference. “The first thing I did was research my country’s main problem that goes with my committee and write down key points. Then, we wrote a position paper, and this honestly helped me the most when we would talk during the unmods [time for resolution writing and bloc formation],” Day said. 

She also emphasized the importance of a strong start at the conference: “I would say write a good opening speech that you can easily present points to on the first day. Saying the opening speech and getting rid of the nerves makes it easier to speak more and also easier to form the blocs that will later be made because people know your ideas.”

Outside of the conference, students had time to explore Chicago. Some visited the Willis Tower, enjoying the view from the Skydeck, while others took a tour of Loyola University Chicago. 

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, students had the chance to explore the city, trying out different restaurants and new foods. Each year, the moderators reach out to alumnae living in Chicago, inviting them to attend a dinner at the Navy Pier with the group. 

“The atmosphere outside of committee was so fun because you can meet so many new people that you would not be able to day to day,” Day said. “The most memorable moments were either walking around Chicago or, again, just meeting new people.”

Marian’s MUN moderators, English teacher Dr. Renee McGill, social studies teacher Mrs. Katy Salzman and English teacher Ms. Susie Sisson played a crucial role in preparing students for the conference. 

“During the months leading up to the trip, we organized several club meetings to help students attending the MUN conference understand the different stages of negotiations and collaboration. With the help of returning MUN students, we also organize a mock MUN session that allows students to walk through each stage of the MUN process,” McGill said. 

McGill expressed pride in Marian’s delegation, especially in the MUN leadership team of returning participants, seniors Ava Moore, Izzy Campie and junior Reese Eggers. 

“For this trip – and during the months leading up to the trip – the leadership of returning MUN participants really stood out,” McGill said. “It was great to see experienced MUNers giving advice to the younger students and checking in with them about how their sessions were going.”

Beyond the conference, McGill says she hopes that students take away valuable lessons about diplomacy, critical thinking and collaboration. 

“We hope the students develop an awareness of global issues and the importance of collaborating with others to solve some of our world’s most pressing problems. We want them to gain confidence with public speaking and to get their voices into important conversations,” McGill said.