Model United Nations (UN) has recently had a large resurgence in Liberty High School, due to the vast opportunities the club has to offer. As of this school year, a member of Liberty’s history department, Lisa Hailey, became the club sponsor for Model UN. Hailey is in charge of Model UN as well as Liberty’s Speech and Debate Club.

Model UN was previously offered in Liberty but was removed due to a lack of interest and participation from students. Students interested in public speaking had the option of taking Speech and Debate with Hailey but Model UN wasn’t an existing option during the 2022-2023 school year. Amongst the numerous students interested in Model UN, one particular student took it upon himself to take the initiative and join Kettle Run High School’s Model UN. 

“During my junior year at Liberty, there was no Model UN offered so I had to travel to Kettle Run to participate in the program,” said senior Christian Jordan.

After the club was reintroduced to Liberty, Jordan was appointed the leader of Model UN. The skills and knowledge that Jordan acquired during his extensive hours spent preparing for conferences made him the perfect candidate for a leadership position in Liberty’s Model UN. 

“I’ve attended meetings in Georgetown and American University with Kettle Run. I have background knowledge on how to navigate the conferences and work under pressure, which is why I took the responsibility of becoming the leader of the Liberty Model UN,” said Jordan. 

Students such as Jordan have felt the need to be a part of an organization such as Model UN because of the overwhelming number of benefits the club offers. Model UN has proven itself to be one of the most impactful tools for public speaking skills and is extremely beneficial for students seeking a career in foreign affairs. 

“I think Model UN can help anyone with their public speaking skills, problem-solving skills, and their ability to interact with new people. As far as somebody who is actually interested in international relations it couldn’t be better because it’s like a simulation of how the United Nations is run, and it gives you a first-hand experience,” said Jordan. 

Model UN is particularly helpful for students interested in developing research skills. 

“Model UN has been extremely helpful in helping me get myself out there but I’ve also learned how to write essays quickly under a lot of pressure which requires having adequate knowledge on a particular topic,” said senior Kristal Benitez.

Due to the nature of Model UN, the organization provides opportunities to hear a plethora of different perspectives and resolutions for conflict. Varying perspectives allow students to develop problem-solving skills.  

“At the previous conference I attended, there were plenty of people from different countries in attendance. It was an eye-opening experience to see people from every part of the world and people from different backgrounds come together and create resolutions,” said Jordan. 

Model UN requires students who are willing to dedicate themselves to crafting diligent work but this doesn’t mean the organization is strictly academic. While students are attending conferences in Washington D.C., they have the opportunity to explore D.C. and enjoy the diverse cuisine the city has to offer. 

“Along with all the educational opportunities the club provides, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their time in DC during conferences,” said Jordan. 

Model UN helps students develop skills that are essential for future careers and everyday life. The organization allows students to foster an understanding of foreign affairs all the while helping students create a bond with their peers. Any students interested in attending conferences are highly encouraged to join the club and regularly attend meetings.