National Model United Nations or known as “NAIMUN”, is a conference that is hosted every year where students from all over the world participate. This year, Steinbrenner students went to the Washington, D.C. Conference where they immersed themselves in practicing international diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and more. Each year, a few students get selected to travel to this conference and represent either a country or a person.
Before joining the trip, students must go through the process of trying out and preparing for their topic. Students have to submit a written essay-speech to get selected on the trip. Once done, they must do extensive research on their assigned committee.
“I researched through many different government websites, including some UN government websites. I also went through other third-party sources and information on my topic on banking and dollar hedge money,” sophomore Ellie Anastasiou said.
The schedule for this trip was packed with activities and meetings.
“Our days were packed with meetings in the morning and evening. The schedule also included various ways to still have fun at concerts and social events,” said junior Mary Parmley.
Even though they had busy schedules, students still had time before committees to explore the city and visit historic landmarks as well as Georgetown University, as they hosted the National Model UN this year.
“The landmarks were incredible! I’ve also wanted to go to D.C., and I was very grateful I was able to experience that,” said Anastasiou.
Coming from this trip, the conference gave so many opportunities to build skills and practice a live simulation of a United Nations’ committee in real time. Separated from working, students got to make so many memories and connections with other students from other countries or states as well. Overall, the four-day trip to Washington, D.C. gave a platform to strengthen their speaking skills and their knowledge of foreign affairs, while building lifelong experiences with others along the way.
