LGSIMUN VIII

After completing my Common App and with a flight coming up, I just had an itch to attend this MUN with my friends. No, it wouldn't add to my college profile, but I had to do something to pass the time over the weekend. I signed up for my first MUN hosted by Lahore Grammar School (Pakistan).

I had no clue about countries, their political state, and, for the record, I hate world history and politics, so I didn't think through this. As Nov 22nd approached, I checked my notifications to start the research. I was the delegate of Hungary in NATO. I had to make something called a position paper and walk myself through not just the MUN rules, but the committee rules, basic vocabulary and much more. I clicked on some last-minute "My first MUN" and "How to win an award as a first-time MUNer" on YouTube.

The first day I observed. I eyed the experienced delegates who were all so energised, debated like pros and did not write a single thing down (did it all in their heads). I also smiled at a vast majority of first-timers and stood up to talk like 2-3 times. That was enough guts for the day. 

The second day of the MUN, I was on fire. I debated six times, once without a speech at hand. This time I was keeping up with what was going on, what my country's stance should be and how I should stick to it. Since Hungary is a neutral country, I talked about how we should not escalate things (being a peacemaker isn't that hard). The day ended with the usual concert (no idea who it was, but oh well).

The third and final day is when committees make resolutions and shut the matter up. Countries sign contracts and resolutions and present them. If conflicted with, the committee fails; else the committee wins. The third day, the pros all hang out in the BDCC (iykyk) while the others chat, eat and wait for the closing ceremony and dinner, which is like THE BEST PART of this whole event.

It doesn't really end here as I walked out with an unexpected highest Special Mention (nothing too much but something). 

As a person who hadn't heard of an MUN before, I'd say this was a pleasant experience. It was something I thought I wouldn't be fluent in, but turns out when put on the spot, us humans come up with stuff. Just fake the enthusiasm and debating skills and you're good to go. Good enough, actually, as mind you there were delegates in my committee who participated in LGSIMUN as a 12th-timer, with many ODs and BDs lined up. These kind of people literally have debating as their whole about and are Chairs by a couple more MUNs and awards. 

So, if you are planning to join an MUN as a 17-year-old and a first, go ahead for entertainment purposes; an MUN is a thing for someone who has been doing it for ages (like 7th grade onwards). But like always, walk in with nothing, walk out with something - even here.