Spring Break came early for a special group of students. Austin High’s Model UN trip to New York City has become an annual tradition. A fun mix between gathering model UN conference experience and gaining cultural perspectives makes the trip an extremely special opportunity. Happening the week before spring break, participating students get to spend a full 7 days immersing themselves in the city.
Unlike other school trips, the New York City adventure means more freedom and opportunity for the students. Chaperone groups can help plan their agenda, choosing the restaurants and museums they want to visit. Although several days will be dedicated to intense conferences, there is also plenty of time to soak in New York and be a true tourist. From strolling around Central Park to sampling snacks at Chelsea Market, there is an endless list of things to do in the city.
“My favorite restaurant we have gone to so far is ‘Pick-A-Bagel,’” says Model UN star Laila Rizkalla. This traditional New York Bagel shop has been operating since 1988, providing kettle-boiled bagels for the city to enjoy. Other favorite spots included “Breakfast by Salt’s Cure,” a pancake shop in the West Village. Their menu features a city-renowned griddle oat pancake, perfect for a sweet and delicious breakfast. For the first 3 days of the trip, the groups do not have to participate in anything model UN related. Instead they took up everything the city had to offer, taking advantage of their place in the largest city in America. They indulged in exploring museums, coffee shops, and parks before their long week ahead.
For the remaining days in the city, Model UN students get to do what they do best: 4 days of intense conferences against students around the world. This conference is called NHSMUN, or the National High School Model United Nations. NHSMUN is known as the “largest, most diverse, and most prestigious” conference in the entire world. For 51 straight years, this event has occurred annually, featuring real political representatives to make the experience even more educational and immersive. These special students who attend have the opportunity to represent scholastic success in Austin in a setting of a diverse range of talented kids.
Each student is a representative of the United Nations embassy of their assigned country. They are placed in rooms where small simulations occur, and the delegates have the opportunity to discuss and advocate for their country’s position in real world issues.
One of the most exclusive parts of this conference was the opportunity to see former President, Joe Biden speak. “It was so surreal” said Sophia Hooker, marveling upon the inspiring words of Biden. The NHSMUN conference provided not only conference interactions with people across the world, but an enlightening, educational experience for all.
As an expansive opportunity for highschool students from all over the world to come together and discuss policy and change and learn from each other, this conference was a picture of unity. This short trip to the big apple helps show us what the model UN is all about: fostering confident, informed youth for a better future.
