The Model UN convention is a huge deal for many. Oftentimes, however, many people find it challenging due to all of the research and speaking that needs to be done. Well, I am a freshman and it is my first time doing Model UN; our first simulation really helped me get a grasp on what it is like.

For starters, I noticed that before we started, we took a roll call to see what countries were attending and whether they were present or present and voting. They explained that present and voting means that you must vote on all of the motions, while present meant that you did not have to participate in all of the voting.

Next, before we could state our speeches we had to be put on the speaker’s list. We had to say, “Motion to be added to the speakers list,” to be able to state our speech. If you didn’t then you couldn’t give your speech.

After everyone was added to the speakers list, we could finally start our speeches. Your placement on the speaker’s list is determined when you give your speech. Everyone went up one at a time. The room was very quiet as people were speaking. If the country’s representative is done speaking but still has the time left, instead of sitting back down they have to say, “I yield my time to the chair.” Saying this, the representative sits back down.

Overall, from a freshman’s perspective, it was a really helpful simulation that allowed me to understand exactly what the Model UN conference would look like.