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After

Well its well after we have completed our initial mission—properly represent Columbia College and our country Italy properly—and yet there is still more to tell. Of course, you all have seen the mini footage of our panel (in which we told our fellow students in person of our experience) and where we allowed them to ask us some questions.

To those that came out to the event—THANKS, and to those that did not—your loss. The footage is ok but you would have gotten more out of it if you attended the panel event in-person.
Anyway, our next mission, people, is to try to inform our peers of the wonderful experience being a part of the Model UN is; and as you can guess, we have been doing just that through the blog, the panel event, and we will be doing just that through our booth at the student activities

MODEL UN PRESENTATION

A short video of the presentation the Model UN Delegation made to the CC community on December 4th. Later in the week I will post some photos, and of course the last of the photos of Chicago, plus some words to those who would like to be part of the Model UN in 2009.

Leadership in the Windy City!

Columbia College offered me the chance of a life time and I took it with open arms. She allowed me to represent her in Chicago, Illinois at the Model UN conference. I took this opportunity and embraced it. I felt a lot off pressure being from one of the only woman colleges and the only college from South Carolina at the conference. I always joke about the 4 C's.... Needless to say the 4C's saved me at this conference! There were hundreds of students from all across the US, many from prestigious and Ivy League schools. At first I was a little intimidated, nervous, and lost for words. However I know those feelings did not reflect my personality, Columbia College or me as a Columbia College woman who has been taught/drilled the 4C's of leadership. So i took my courage, commitment, confidence and competence and applied it to every caucus and session. I realized that I had been given an opportunity of a life time and that there was no need to take advantage of it but rather embrace this experience! This conference allowed me to become more aware of national politics. Not only has this trip allowed me to practice the 4C's of leadership but has also strengthened my 4C's of leadership! I am now even more empowered about being a woman of the 4C's of leadership here at Columbia College. It's not often that I am at a lost for words but this experience is one that can't be explained but only experienced.

Kara Simmons

The last blog!

Well after writing a reflection essay for Dr. Jones ive realized I actually did learn a few things that I didnt in my poli sci classes. There are a few things I want to do more research that I stumbled upon at the Model UN as well, which truthfully I didnt think would happen, for some odd reason. I really did enjoy the experience and I was lucky to find out about countries that I didnt know existed and interact with other students who love poltics just as much as I do. If I had another year at school I would probably try to go to Chicago again. I think the most awesome aspect out of all of this is that the poli sci department did not just pick people who are majoring in public affairs, political science, or history, but they decided to let all students apply. I say this because I was able to work with Melanie, my partner, who is a biology major and I was able to learn from her and how she looked at the issues differently than how I would. It was great working with someone who thought out of the box. It was awesome, thats all what I have to say.

Looking Back....

With all the excitement of sharing my Model UN stories with friends and turning in my final assignments for professors, I almost forgot to post my experience on this blog! So here goes:

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! I had such a wonderful experience and I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate in this year's conference (Thank you, Dr. Jones!). Being able to discuss tough issues like humanitarian aid and economic policies with students from all over the world was great. Not only did I get to practice my negotiation skills, I also learned the true meaning of diplomacy.

Participating in the Model UN encouraged me to learn more about international relations, engage in problem solving with other countries, and exercise my communication skills. This experience has also taught me the importance of seeing situations from other points of view. It was interesting to see how every country saw the same situation, but crafted different solutions and offered different perspectives. For example, our entire body agreed that it was essential to address the economic inequalities women faced when entering the job market, but we all had different ways to approach it. When everyone negotiated and debated, we were able to work together in solving this imperative issue (if only Congress could work this well together).

When we were talking about our experiences, Laniesha Gray made a really good point about our experiences: It's one thing to learn about the four C's, but it's another to actually practice them. I can honestly say, that's what we all did at this conference. I was so proud of everyone stepping up to the plate and representing Columbia College to their fullest potential. We acted as agents of change to work towards a world of peace and prosperity (as cliche as that sounds). I felt a sense of personal responsibility to do what's best for not only the country of Italy, but also for the world...(okay, that's my last cliche).

I think Dr. Whitson said it best: "A leader is not a leader because of the position she holds, but the difference she makes." After judging from the resolutions we tirelessly worked to pass through, I can honestly say that we all made a difference in our "mock global society."

So, thank you Dr. Whitson, Dr. Burk, Dr. Sharkey and all those who showed us support in our endeavors!


Finally a CC Alum,
~Ophelia

Happy Holidays

Well, fellow delegates this year is almost gone. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I also want to encourage the courageous women of Columbia College to accept the torch from the Model UN 2008 class, and apply for the Model UN next year. Do not be afraid, if you know nothing about politics Dr. Jones will make sure you know all you need to know. Have a Great Break!

Brittany Davis
General Assembly