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The Model United Nations team of New Mexico State University has completed its best year to date.
The Model UN team placed second in both the UCLA Regional Model United Nations conference in January and the National Model United Nations conference in New York City over spring break.
"This has been an outstanding year for me and the team," said Marcia Mundt, this years Model UN president and a junior majoring in government, Spanish and communication studies. "It's been a pleasure working with them."
Jason Ackleson, a professor in the Honors College and advisor for the Model UN team at NMSU, said the Model UN gives students the opportunity to function like the real UN and also discuss world issues.
Starting in the fall, students voluntarily participate in preparation for conferences outside of class. This includes writing papers and conducting research. During the spring semester, the Model UN turns into a class, which ends after the national conference.
Approximately 2,000 students from over 300 universities and colleges competed in the National Model UN conference. The event included international students from countries like Germany, France, England, Afghanistan and Venezuela, just to name a few.
At the conference, each team was given a different country they had to represent. Then the students are placed into committees, like the real UN. In these committees, students from different teams, representing different countries, must work together to solve whatever problem they are given.
"A major part is staying in character," said Andrea Gomolak, a junior majoring in government and newly appointed secretary for the Model UN.
This year, the NMSU team represented Spain. Ackleson said two students were allowed to represent Denmark on the security counsel since Spain was not involved in that committee.
At the end, 10 universities are awarded first place and 10 universities are awarded second place, Distinguished Delegation.
"I think it's a testament to the program here," said Orlando Arellano, a senior majoring in government, journalism and foreign language.
Gomolak said even though the team did well the following year, this year's achievements mean more.
"It proves that we aren't a fluke," Gomolak said.
"It's really neat to step it up from last year," said Scott Darling, a second year master student in government and newly appointed Model UN president.
Also, two NMSU team members, Arellano and Jorge Arroyo, were given the Outstanding Delegate award. After work is completed, all delegates from a committee vote to decide who preformed the best within their committee.
"I think he got this because he has good speaking and mediating skills," said Gomolak about Arellano, who received the award from the economic and social counsel.
"It's been the greatest experience of my college life," Arellano said about joining the Model UN. "I'm graduating, but I wish I could continue [with the Model UN]."
Arellano said next year he has an internship in Brazil at the US embassy and that the Model UN has given him confidence for the future. He also encourages others students to apply for the team.
"Model UN is a really challenging experience," said Kelly Pecotto, a graduate student studying government. "It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun."
"We're not just a bunch of stiffs," said Lauren Aragon, a sophomore studying business management and geology.
Many Model UN students said the team is not just for government majors, and the experiences will help anyone in the future.
"It helps you learn a lot of skills such as negotiation, diplomacy and how to speak well in public," Ackleson said.
Ackleson, who has been advising the team for five years, said the team has steadily been improving and is now recognized internationally as a powerhouse for Model UN.
To join Model UN, students must apply and go through a selective and competitive process. Team members for next year will be selected in August. For an application, contact Ackleson at jackleso@nmse.edu.
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