Memphis University School’s yearly Model UN conference took place on Saturday, Sept 20 with over 30 delegates from three different schools, featuring events such as mock executions to nuclear warfare and kangaroo coups.
Designed to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved, MUSMUN provided students both learning opportunities and the opportunity to prepare delegates for the Vanderbilt Model UN Conference in October.
“I really learned a lot about problem solving, critical thinking, and analyzing situations,” said sophomore Graham Ensor concerning the lessons taught throughout the day.
The format of the committee was modeled on the crisis committees that the club participated in last October. “I saw a lot of people learning more about Model UN and how to handle the style of committee,” asserted Government Club President Carter Wildrick (12).
He commented, “Last year, at Washington University Model UN, we got [beat] because we had no clue what we were doing. A lot of the impetus of MUSMUN is to prepare all the students for this upcoming Model UN and I think we did that really well.”
Davis Smith, faculty advisor for the Government Club, spoke on the initiative of club leaders Aadil Omer (12) and Wildrick in setting up the conference.
“Aadil and Carter wanted to follow in the footsteps of the students who came before them and build out the conference a little bit more than it’s been in recent years. All I did was listen to their ideas and give them some advice about what needs to happen and a timetable. What I think made the conference that much more enjoyable for everybody and a more positive experience is that it was, from top to bottom, a student-organized and student-run event.”
Wildrick reflected, “This was one of the larger conferences that we’ve held in a long while, I think the first time with St. Mary’s and Hutchison at this capacity. So I mean, with 50 teenagers, it’s hard for everything to go perfectly, but I think it went really well.”
The upperclassmen organizers awarded “Best Delegate” awards to the committee member that shined the most in each room. Receiving this honor were sophomore Mustafa Rehan, Gus Williams and freshman Mohid Salman.
In speaking of the overall experience, Wildrick was proud of the event. “There were a mix of funnier things like [the execution of Coleman Russell (11)] but then also, again, everything went really well. People passed their directives, engaged in good debate, and were really invested in the experience.”
Smith quipped, “What I remember the most is that I didn’t have to deal with any major problems.”
Ensor walked out of the conference with a bright outlook on the day. “I would say that if you are interested in learning anything about the government, how it works, or maybe just want to have a fun day with your friends, do it.”
