My experience in Model United Nations was quite unusual. Some people might talk about how they first spoke in a conference or the first time they gained enough confidence to make a speech. For me, though, I was more of an observer than a speaker for the majority of the time.
I enjoyed watching more experienced debaters make statements about a resolution. I admired how they could make a Point of Information so fast, and how they know what to say, what to think. I have always aspired to be that kind of delegate. As much as I admire the concept of debate and how debaters are on the floor, I am one of those people who easily gets intimidated. My confidence is not yet at their level, and — believe it or not — this isn’t the first year I joined MUN. I joined it in the seventh grade and honestly it wasn’t the best experience for me. I never planned on joining again after that, but I decided to finally give it another go after two years.
I am in the tenth grade now, and honestly the virtual set-up is less scary for me, though with this set-up I’m not truly experiencing the whole MUN feel. I really want to meet the people in the club in real life. As I have been slowly progressing in this club, I found that the members are the sweetest and most supportive people. I’m trying to get better at public speaking, and I want to contribute more to the arguments and the discussion. I love MUN as much as all the senior members do.
I was hesitant to join again this year, because I thought it’ll be the same as it was two years ago, when I was not as productive. I would skip a lot of sessions and I eventually quit. Though I saw some differences this year, I have not skipped a single session, I participated more and I actually understood what was happening. I felt like I was present, my mind was not getting bored or wandering around somewhere else. I felt the motivation I once had and I was very excited.
As much as I wanted to grow along with everyone else, I came to a stop when I was not able to join the conference hosted by British School Manila when I didn’t register as early as I should have. The practice debate, though, was amazing. I got to see how it would go, and there were moments where I witnessed talented members speak for the first time and I was really impressed. Although I did not fully speak during the practice, I did learn from other members. I wished I did more but I got some tips from people who were going to the BSM conference. From all of this, I learned that I need more time to get better. I might not be one of those people who suddenly understands it, but I have the motivation to grow and learn. I wish to learn more things from this club and to make memories with the people in it.
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