Excitement was vibrating off of the thin metal walls of the small white school bus. As the boys packed the van, tossing their backpacks and suitcases toward the back row and climbing on top of each other to snag the best seat, they filled the narrow chamber with their anticipation for what lay ahead: three days of action-packed Model UN. Within two hours, the team had made their way into the Hilton Providence, their home for the next two nights. After re-gathering themselves and ensuring that they were dressed to the nines, the guys reloaded the bus and ventured towards the weekend’s main attraction: Brown University Simulation of the United Nations.
Opening ceremonies were not without some chaos. After failing to find the proper building, the group wandered into a lecture hall to watch a live stream of the event. Per tradition, the ceremony consisted of a short speech from the Secretary-General, followed by a panel of three student activists on campus. Finally, the Secretary-General returned to the podium and struck the gavel, thereby declaring that the simulation of the United Nations was in session.
Quickly, the group dispersed to attend their first committee sessions. Assuming the position of different characters and countries, the guys took the stand to make their positions on their respective issues clear. After three long hours of debate and deliberation, the team reconvened and traveled back down the hill toward the hotel, exchanging stories along the way.
The sun rose with haste and ushered in a brisk fall Saturday. After an early wake-up and quick breakfast, the squad ventured up the hill once again, ready to take on the day’s obstacles. The delegation strapped in for what would prove to be the most trying day of the lot. For over seven hours, the boys discussed and compromised on contentious issues, ranging from the China-Taiwan issue to human rights. At last, as the clock struck seven, the group came together and departed for the Hilton once again.
As the world welcomed another fine fall morning, the group could feel the weekend coming to a close. Nonetheless, the team wandered back up College Hill and scarfed down breakfast at a small bagel shop on Thayer Street. Then, the group dispersed for one last committee session. There, they made their closing arguments and passed final resolutions. At noon, the sounds of gavels striking tables, and chairs ending debate echoed through Brown University. Shortly thereafter, the boys loaded back onto the bus one last time. After saying goodbye to the beautiful city of Providence, the guys made the journey back to Belmont, planning next year’s return on the ride home.
The Belmont Hill Model UN Club would like to thank Belmont Hill, Ms. Zener, and Ms. Chiu for making this trip possible. For the guys in this delegation, the weekend proved to be a meaningful and valuable experience. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, the boys had the opportunity to discuss world issues, learn the art of debate and compromise, and grow closer to one another. Needless to say, the club cannot wait for the next conference!
