Post victory dinner celebration in front of the White House
Author: Shannon Morneault | Major: International Business | Semester: Fall 2022
Learning can come in many forms but being able to do it alongside others is unmatched in value. I, Shannon Morneault, was able to experience this and gain many other prized skills by attending the Nation Model United Nations Conference in Washington, D.C. I am an International Business major at the Walton College of Business and my partner, and I represented China on the Committee for Social Development where we worked to find resolve with other nations on the global housing crisis and leveraging sport for development.
This opportunity has always stood out to me as a student at the University of Arkansas. I believed that it thoroughly helped with public speaking, thinking on your feet, and networking with others. Walking away from this experience I can truthfully say I accomplished those things while also gaining confidence in myself and my abilities. Additionally, I didn’t expect the friendships that I would create that would positively impact me. All these things cumulated to give me insight on how to problem solve for a common goal and how to clearly convey important information. This is vital in a both an academic and professional career.
The class preparing for this conference was filled with a lot of fun but also balanced with efficient preparation. Our class spent many hours practicing speeches in empty classrooms or outside of the Greek Theatre. Additionally, working to together to create potentially resolution for issues and reviewing and proofing our position papers. Also, there was significant time spent addressing the proper etiquette for the conference and how to be a caring leader. It is imperative as well to understand the proper procedures for navigating the conference. Outside of the classroom my partner and I spent a lot of time reviewing and perfecting our paper. We had a limit of two pages to summarize China’s believes on the designated issues. We were diligent in creating time and being effective with what we included. This work was rewarded when we won an award for our paper at the conference.
This class was so unique in that there was an end goal and measurement of our hard work. While we all were navigating different topics on different committees, we all worked together and helped each other in learning and improving. This class also bonded unlike any class I have ever had here. We have all become great friends and made such special memories together.
Washington, D.C. is such an important part of our nation’s history and so being able to visit for the first time was significant for me. We were able to visit the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. On top of that we visited the Capitol, White House, and Holocaust Museum. In addition, we visited with a University of Arkansas alumni who now works on Capitol Hill. All these things were so moving to see and something that I will always hold closely. Being able to explore and visit these things alongside my friends made it even better as well.
This program is so beneficial and such a labor of love, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to others. Before doing it, I recommend being open to hard work and working outside of class often, but with that realizing the reward will be so beautiful and so fulfilling. You must do the upfront work to be able succeed later. Additionally, it is important to be able to receive critiques and understand that everyone else is wanting you to succeed and are just trying to help you achieve that goal. My time spent in D.C. was so gratifying but going home I felt comfort in just being able to be back and eat my local favorite foods in Fayetteville. This experience was so memorable, and I will carry my gained skills and memories with me for a lifetime.