YMCA MUN Press Blog

Farewell YMUN 2011

Written Press Corps members reflect on their YMUN 2011 experiences:

This was my first year in YMUN, it was such a wonderful experience but I really think that being in the written press truly made it great.  The success that we achieved by working together was honestly surprising. I never imagined that in just three short days we would be able to create four newsletters! I cannot wait to return next year and I am so honored that I will have the opportunity to be the Editor.  YMUN truly was a great experience and I will miss everyone I have met and become friends this weekend. See you next year!

- Amanda Sachs

Returning to YMUN as a second year delegate was just as rewarding and enjoyable as my first year. Being a part of the Written Press is a great learning experience, especially since I want to pursue a career in fashion journalism. The experience and education I gained from this conference I will use for the rest of my life. The friends I have made this weekend really made this YMUN exceptionally incredible. Being able to have such an amazing time and come out feeling like a better person is worthwhile and I can’t wait until next year!

- Jenna Milliner-Waddell

As my last YMUN conference wraps up, I look back at my previous conferences and can easily say this has been one of the best. I consider myself extremely lucky for being able to be a part of the Written Press for the past two years. During my freshmen year at MUN I was in the Historical Simulation Committee. Although I enjoyed debating about international affairs from the past, I was totally unaware of what was going on throughout the rest of the conference. With the Press I had the ability to walk into every committee and see what everyone else was up to. I will truly miss this experience and all my new friends from Press.

- Gigi Gonzales

For the past three years I have been coming the first weekend after the New Year to the Hershey Lodge for the YMCA MUN conference and each year has been a new exciting experience. This year is my last year a here at MUN and it was the best year yet. The people around me here are so much fun and truly know how to enjoy themselves. As I roamed the halls of Hershey, playing a tune on my harmonica, delegates would smile and say “play on scarf kid.” As I wave my red scarf in the air, this is the last time I will have to thank sir or madam chair.

- Greg Fisher

After spending my weekend in a small, cold room in the depths of the Hershey Lodge, I came to understand what it’s like to work as a journalist in the real world. And I love it. I love the rushing around, meeting deadlines, and talking to people I never have before. I’ve always had a passion for the press, but now I understand what it takes to be successful. You have to know how to work with people and how to brainstorm ideas. I feel as though now I have honed those skills as well as contributed the ones that I already had, such as layout and writing articles. My experience at YMUN as prepared me for what I want to do in the future and allowed me to work with some amazing people and, for that, I’m truly grateful. I can’t wait to come back next year and work with the Written Press one more time!

- Shannon Lane

After three days of being at the YMCA MUN 2011 conference, I could not be happier with my decision to come this year as a written press member. Throughout my time here, I learned so much about journalism, including the importance of deadlines, how to structure an article, and how to make the news aesthetically pleasing. Sadly, it’s my last year here because I am a senior, and although I’ll never get the chance to return as a delegate, the lessons I have learned and the friends that I have made will stay with me forever. I could not have asked for better, more cooperative and fun fellow journalists. Additionally, I’d like to give a special thanks to Jenna Bramble who led with patience, poise, and an all-around amazing attitude.

- Chloe Birkenthal

My first year in written press was fantastic! I made many new friends, and learned many new skills.  From interviewing delegates to drafting articles, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Joining YMUN Press Corps was a great decision, and I am sure to come back next year.  Hopefully next year I will learn more about journalism, and gain more writing experience.  However, this year’s experience will be difficult to beat.

- Amna Salam

When I first heard about MUN , I knew I had to be there. My passion is writing, and when I found out that I could be involved in the Written Press, I was ecstatic for the amazing opportunity. This weekend has been incredible. I have made so many new friendships that I know I will keep, and have been inspired by many people.  I believe that anyone who has the opportunity to attend the YMCA Model UN conference should seize the chance to do something amazing.  I know that this weekend has helped me in my career choices, and improved my writing skills.  I await next year’s conference in 2012.

- Kassi Chrysanthopoulos

Coming to the written press this year was by far a good idea. Compared to my MUN experience last year, this year was probably ten times more fun. I really enjoyed writing about what other people had to say, and expressing my opinion at the same time. Written Press was actually laid back and comfortable. Written press helped my speaking as well, as I had the opportunity to interview the Secretary General, leader of the book drive team, and several teacher advisers. While interviewing, I was able break some of my shy barrier.

Another advancement I got from being a part of the Written Press was to learn to interview, research, and write in order to meet specific deadlines while having a good time. I sort of got a little taste of what it’s like to be a journalist, and be part of an actual press. The most memorable part of it all was probably chasing people around in the hallways, and the happy feeling i got when I had all the information I needed to write a good piece. I think that my writing skills have improved during my time here because I was able to write much faster than I am able to in school. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to come back next year and experience having fun while improving my education all over again.

- Erin Atkinson

Coming into this conference, words could not even describe how nervous I was. I only knew about four or five people from my school who were attending the 2011 YMUN conference. However, we were all in different committees. I had no idea who my roommates were or what they would be like. On the three hour bus ride here, I was flooded with different emotions. I was worried, anxious, excited, confused. Was I going to make any friends? Were my roommates and I going to even get along? Had I made the right choice in coming here? Yet, when my bus pulled up to the hotel and I got settled in my room, my attitude completely changed. My roommates were great, my committee was filled with welcoming and awesome people, and everyone was just so accepting and different. As soon as I met my committee, and fellow delegates I knew that this was going to be a memorable experience.

Running around the hotel, interviewing delegates, writing articles and having a great time with new friends was such an awesome time. It’s sad to think this conference has already come to an end. I really had no idea what to expect coming here, but I’m so glad I came. This was such a life changing experience. Meeting people from all walks of life, with different views and perspectives of the world, really opened my eyes to a lot of new things. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

Next year, I would love to attend the 2012 conference, however I am transferring to a different school that has MUN, but doesn’t attend the Hershey Conference weekend. But after the experience I’ve had, I’m going to do everything in my power to bring my new school to the 2012 conference. I think everyone deserves a chance to expand their horizons, and experience this chance of a lifetime. I hope to return next year with my new school and new delegates that are ready to take on the challenge of making a difference in our world. I hope to see you all next year and thank you for making this such an unforgettable experience for me.

- Mariah Agueda

Thanks for another great year, YMUN Press Corps!! It was definitely one of the best yet!