Delegates from UARK, Karla Cruz and Via Bruffett
Author: Karla Cruz | Major: Business Economics | Semester: Fall 2022
My name is Karla Cruz, and I am majoring in Economics with a minor in Spanish at the University of Arkansas. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. to represent the University of Arkansas at the annual National Model United Nations Conference alongside Dr. Robert Stapp and the Model UN team. As a university, we represented the delegations from China and North Korea. We were awarded Outstanding Delegation for both countries. I alongside my partner, Via Bruffett, represented China on the World Health Assembly (WHA) where we were awarded Outstanding Delegates by our peers and chair. The purpose of this research and conference was to enhance my professional and personal development through practice on public speaking, networking, writing, and diplomacy skills.
Prior to the conference, I collaborated alongside my partner to write a position paper detailing China’s position on the given topics. We prepared for WHA topics: addressing global vaccine distribution and mental health access and resources. This research was extensive and from May to October, our paper underwent several revisions after feedback from our professor and peers. I had not researched on any topic for an extended period before this conference. I learned how to take feedback and use it to enhance my findings. I also had to practice writing from China’s perspective and not my own. Not only was it important to research China’s stance on the two topics, but also to research extensively on China’s history, relationship with other members of the international community, and present-day issues.
During the conference, I gave a speech in front of over 50 of my peers, worked alongside other students to craft resolutions, and advocated for the work that my group did to the WHA body.
At the beginning of the first session, I advocated for the mental health topic to take priority, but the body voted to discuss vaccine distribution first. For the rest of the sessions, I and my peers engaged in important conversations and collaborations to find solutions for global vaccine inequity. We unfortunately did not have the chance to discuss our second topic on mental health. Nevertheless, the sessions on global vaccine inequity were collaborative and multiple resolutions, including the one I worked on with my team were passed.
This experience was truly one-of-a-kind, and I am thankful for the professional and personal growth that I have gained from it. On a professional level, I was able to develop skills like research, writing, networking, and public speaking. Through my preparation prior to the conference, my writing and research skills vastly improved. During the conference, I was able to network with students from other universities and connect with them professionally and personally. And I was also able to give a speech in front of the entire WHA body. While I was nervous on speaking and networking, I realized that through much practice, it was possible to improve. On a personal level, I was able to challenge myself out of my comfort zone and meet and work with new people.
For any students wishing to travel for conferences or even join the Model UN team, I would encourage them do so! It is important to challenge yourself outside of the classroom and to gain experiences in new settings. I know that many of these skills I’ve attained were due to working outside of a classroom setting with people that I had never met before. This experience was truly one-of-a kind, and I would like to thank Dr. Stapp for his leadership and guidance as well as Via and my peers for their commitment to the conference.
After this conference, I plan on focusing on my classwork and preparing for life after graduation! I would like to continue enhancing my education by attending graduate school at the University of Arkansas. Go hogs!