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!

Dancing the Night Away at YMUN

Every year, YMCA Model UN has a dance for the delegates at the conference. Before the big night, I had the chance to talk to some eager delegates. Video Press delegates said in general they were “tired yet excited.” Sam Mason from Video Press said she “didn’t want to get fist-pumped in the face!” Shobit Jain and Zach Evans from General Assembly were also enthusiastic about the dance. Zach Evans said that “in the words of Usher he was going to dance like it’s the last night of his life.” Likewise, Shobit quotes another popular song saying that he “had a feeling that tonight is going to be a good night.”

After winning the Baum Award for Leadership, David Hays shared his thoughts about the dance. “It’s going to be a fun time; a lot of friendships will blossom tonight.” David also believed that like all aspects of Model UN, this year’s dance will be even better than last years.

- Kassi Chrysanthopoulos

YMUN Supports the Bethesda Mission

Bethesda Mission is an organization that helps the homeless and hungry around the Harrisburg, PA area. Bethesda Mission has been providing food, shelter, clothing and counseling to all that are ready to take a step and improve their living conditions since 1914. MUN donates money to Bethesda Mission annually. This year, delegations were requested to bring some items to give to the shelter, in addition to our donations. In total, MUN donated $3,350.88 this year to the Bethesda Mission.

For more information about supporting Bethesda Mission, visit http://www.bethesdamission.org/

- Mariah Agueda

Guest Speaker Profile: Joseph Kailafa

Continued from “The Chocolate Connection” Issue # 3

In 2002, Sierra Leone was the poorest nation in the world. That same year, Norway was the wealthiest nation in the world. Also in 2002, Joseph Kaifala’s future was forever changed.

Joseph Kailafa was the guest speaker yesterday for General Assembly A, focusing on the importance of education and the obligation

Joseph Kailafa

that we all have, as the new generation, to the future of our country and world. His story and lessons inspired every delegate in the room.

Growing up in poverty in Sierra Leone during the Civil War left Kailafa with minimal options for formal education.  As the rebels were burning schools and libraries, Kailafa, with only basic literacy, taught himself to read with whatever books he could find. During the Civil War, Kailafa was exposed to awful crimes committed by the rebels including amputation to children in public and countless murders.When the United Nations decided to reopen schools in Sierra Leone to keep the kids off the streets and away from rebels, Kailafa was finally able to attend a real school. Although, it was not what he imagined, there were not enough chairs so the majority of students, including Kailafa, stood and there were no textbooks. Kailafa would hang out around the country’s embassy and gather the newspapers to increase his knowledge.

Kailafa was invited to study at the United War College in Norway in 2002. This culture shock was the pinnacle in deciding his future. He did not understand how two places could be worlds apart in the way they live. Kailafa’s eyes were opened to the “reality of the disparities” in the world, thus beginning his journey to spread awareness in the importance of unity in the world and education for everyone.

“If a country sneezes, the whole world catches a cold”

Joseph Kailafa believes that we are obliged, as people, to fix the Global System so that every nation interacts together to grow. The globe is intertwined, everyone has an influence. To keep resilient in this fight, we must keep each other; surrounding ourselves with a network of focus, determination, and hope.

“If you try hard enough, if you have a goal, and pursue it fervently, it is very likely you will succeed.”

The first line of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that primary education is the fundamental human right and is Free. It is the essence of the social contract we made to protect this human right.

World leaders who have influenced Kailafa greatly also emphasized the importance of education in the writing. Nelson Mandela admits that without the gift of education, nothing would ever have been accomplished. Ghandi also teaches that with education, then and only then can love and peace be achieved. Along with the influence of such historical leaders, Kailafa accredits much of his inspiration and influence to his father. Teaching him the resilience needed to fight for his right of education,Kailafa’s father’s words are the epitome of what Kailafa himself hopes to share.

“Education is the only legacy that can never be taken away. I could give you the world, but it may crumble. If I give you an education, then you can rebuild the world.”

Following Joseph Kailafa’s lecture, delegates had the opportunity to ask some follow up questions. In response to inquiring about what advice he would give to aspiring leaders for change, Kailafa stressed the significance of education. Never give up; we must take advantage of our duty as an agent to society.  But how? In America there is always potential for change, to overcome the problems of education in our world, we must act. The American system is in place for change, to act. The power of American government lies in our hands.

“You are the constitution of this country.”

Kailafa’s story and words left the General Assembly hopeful and inspired. We would like to thank Joseph Kailafa for the opportunity to listen to him and learn.

“You are not here to save the world. It is not your duty. Your mentality must be: something is wrong, this is what I can do, I will do it.”

- Amanda Sachs

You know it’s MUNday when… (Part 2)

You know it’s MUNday when…

…it feels awesome to take your shoes off.

…your hair smells like chocolate from Hershey’s shampoo.

…everyone loves David Hays.

…when you’re planning to assassinate Soviet Premiers.

…when everyone’s falling asleep.

…there are MUNmances.

…at the end of the day, everyone’s rapping their resolutions.

- Shannon Lane and Amanda Sachs

Students Still Helping Honduras

Last year at the 2010 MUN conference, guest speaker Shin Fujiyama spoke to the entire conference about his nonprofit or

organization “Students Helping Honduras.” Fujiyama began his organization as an undergraduate and explained how he raised over a million dollars to help impoverished children and villages throughout Honduras. Fujiyama left such an impact after his inspirational speech that many delegates from the conference signed up to join him in his volunteer work abroad.

Samantha Slattery was the lucky winner of the raffle for an opportunity for a chance to go Honduras over the summer free of charge. Slattery, now a senior at Red Bank Catholic, says that the projects she participated in included visiting underdeveloped communities such as Siete de Abril where she helped women construct eco friendly bags. She also helped with the construction of an orphanage where she helped run a camp for children who did not have the privilege to go to school on a regular basis.

K.C. Schmitz a delegate from Dulaney was one of the many delegates from last year’s conference who was inspired by Fujiyama to go to Honduras herself and help out. Schmitz explained that her most memorable experiences all had to do with enjoying the company of the local children on the work sites. Although Schmitz spoke zero Spanish, she was still able to understand the people through their expressions. Schmitz and Slattery agree on having the experience of a lifetime and both plan on returning to Honduras on a service trip next summer.

For more information about getting involved with Students Helping Honduras visit http://www.studentshelpinghonduras.org/about

- Gigi Gonzales

Committee Updates

Greg Fisher

Amna Salam

After interviewing several delegates, we found that committees are actively debating resolutions involving pressing issues.  In Legal A, a first year delegate, Kyle La Fronz explained, “The debates were slow at first, but began to pick up later.” As people began to come out of their shells and speak, they realized what a good experience MUN could be.  With lively debates taking place in all committees, we foresee a stellar weekend.

• General Assembly A- passed 5 resolutions; debated disarmament, and environmental stability
• General Assembly B- passed none; discussed education, disarmament, and environmental stability
• Legal A- passed none;  debated international resources, and stateless people

- Greg Fisher & Amna Salam

Overheard at MUN

Overheard at MUN:

Male delegate: “I don’t understand why people try to make music through robots and machines when they can make it themselves.”

Female delegate: “So you don’t like Ke$ha?”

You Know it’s MUNday When… (Part 1)

You know it’s MUNday when...

…you fall asleep during committee.

…you have to wake up at 4 a.m. to get on a bus in a suit.

…you dress like your mom.

…all you do is drink coffee and eat chocolate.

…you see kids playing Twister in the elevator.

…you stay in the same room for 20 hours.

…you spend your Friday night solving international crises.

…people use pick-up lines like, “I’ll moderate your caucus.”

…you can’t find a word to describe it.

- Shannon Lane & Amanda Sachs

Why I’m Here (on the Written Press)

Written Press Delegate Chloe Birkenthal

By Chloe Birkenthal

As a third year MUN’er, I was originally skeptical about returning to Written Press. In the past, I had been a part of General Assembly and Nation Building. Although my experience was positive overall, it wasn’t for me. My thoughts about going back to MUN as a member of the Written Press my senior year were confirmed when I was on press for NJ Youth and Government and loved it!

The reason why I love press so much is the constant interaction with people. If you’re a “people person” who thrives off of communication with others, then press may be the perfect opportunity for you as well. Aside from conducting interviews, as a  member of written press, you also spend a great deal of time copy-editing, walking around, thinking about and designing layouts, getting to know fellow journalists and of course, tons of writing!