By: Kate Roesler
Menaul School Model UN Club recently participated in the yearly Santa Fe Conference at the New Mexico Roundhouse. As a Model UN faculty sponsor, I am inspired each year by witnessing these future leaders in action. This year, our school’s participants included 26 students from 9 different countries and the Navajo Nation who role-played as delegates representing Somalia and Iran. Model UN Club is unique at Menaul School because our students bring a uniquely international perspective and because we have middle schoolers in the club! Out of the dozens of schools at the conference, less than 5 bring along middle schoolers. Because we are a small 6-12th grade school, it comes naturally that middle school students prepare and participate alongside upper school students. It’s a win-win situation. Upper schoolers have a chance to serve as leaders and mentors while middle schoolers gain experience in what can be an intimidating experience at the statewide conference.
This year, Ericka DeFazio mentored Olivia Watts in the United Nations Environmental Assembly committee where they debated topics such as the environmental impacts of AI and mitigating the impacts of microplastics. Olivia, an 8th grader, embraced the experience stating, “It was fun! I learned all about Parliamentary Procedure and how everyone has different opinions about the environment.” Senior, Ericka DeFazio, said of the experience, “The past two days have been eye-opening in the best way possible. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being in a room with peers who see the world in vastly different ways, but are willing to honestly engage in discussion to create meaningful change.” About mentoring Olivia, Ericka stated that she enjoyed “…watching Olivia become more and more comfortable having conversations with delegates from both viewpoints. Her ability to listen and think critically was on full display during this conference, and I hope she continues to develop these talents at future Model UN events.” Not only did both students grow in their individual skills, but they also made a personal connection that will endure throughout this school year and possibly beyond.
During chapel, the week before the Model UN conference, I expressed how grateful I am to work and be a part of a community that is a nurturing environment for growth, where students feel comfortable and are encouraged to get out of their comfort zones. Model UN can be an especially intimidating activity, but Menaul School’s supportive environment and students like Ericka and Olivia are examples of what is uniquely possible at Menaul School for growth in mind, body and spirit.
