From the UN to Kamala Harris: Our MUN Delegates Take on New York

Six days in New York City. For our Model United Nations delegates, it was an immersion into the mechanics of global diplomacy — and a reminder of why this kind of experience matters.

Model United Nations asks students to do something genuinely difficult: step outside their own perspective, represent a country that may not share their values, and find common ground on some of the world's most complex issues. Delegates research their assigned nation's positions, debate in formal committee sessions, negotiate behind the scenes, and ultimately draft resolutions that reflect compromise as much as conviction. It is diplomacy as a practice, not a subject.

At the center of it all was the United Nations itself. Students visited the institution's New York headquarters to understand how its committees and bodies actually function — and had the rare opportunity to observe a commission in session, watching real multilateral diplomacy unfold in real time. "The UN visit blew me away — it was incredible to visit places that are at the heart of global diplomacy," said Zachary (2B). Antoine (3A) echoed the feeling: "We got to sit where important people have sat." The visit coincided with International Women's Day and Women's History Month, and a special exhibition honoring women who have shaped global affairs added a meaningful layer to the experience. They also connected with seasoned MUN alumni, including Renata Koch Alvarenga, who spoke to how the program continues to open doors — academically and professionally.

Back in committee, our delegates debated global issues, built diplomatic blocs, and negotiated resolutions — bringing together the research, the preparation, and the skills they had been sharpening all week. Topics ranged from youth access to education to the impact of global inequalities on birthrates. "I got to meet people from other states and countries — Connecticut, Florida, Argentina, Mexico," noted Antoine. "I loved exchanging with people who had different points of view." For Antonin (3A), the scale of the conference was part of the experience: "The conferences were much bigger than the ones we had done before." Alexandre (3A) appreciated the depth of preparation it required: "Preparing the debates with my partner Rafael was great — I learned a lot from him."

The undeniable highlight was a conference with Kamala Harris. Speaking to a room full of young people she called a "generation of hope," the former U.S. Vice President and Senator offered the kind of counsel that stays with you: stay curious, stay determined, and — in what became the line everyone remembered — "be impatient for change and eat 'no' for breakfast."

"It was so cool to see Kamala — she is very inspiring, and seeing her in person was amazing," said Zachary. Antonin agreed: "She truly inspired us and gave us hope for international relations."

Our students came home with more than memories. They came home with a sharper sense of who they are in the world, and what they might do in it.