A group of University of the Ozarks political science students earned an unprecedented achievement for its program recently.
The students made up a University delegation that was awarded an honorable mention for Best Delegation at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in Washington D.C. in November. It is believed to be the University’s first NMUN recognition.
The students included (pictured, from left) Roberto Castro, Fernanda Aguilar, Alejandro Gutierrez, Cody Williamson, Eduardo Munguia, Josue Garcia, Valeria Estrada, and Cristhel Mejia. Dr. Chris Sarver, assistant professor of political science, was the group’s advisor.
The delegation represented Syrian Arab Republic and competed against students from nearly 100 colleges and universities.
“This was a very disciplined, hardworking, and energetic group of students,” Sarver said. “They worked hard to prepare for what is one of the largest Model UNs in the country, drawing students from all over the country and the world. I was very proud to see our delegation of eight students win the University of the Ozarks’ very first award.”
NMUN is the world’s largest, most prestigious and oldest ongoing university-level Model UN. The annual event draws participants from more than 100 UN Member States to address current global issues and provides students with a forum to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing, and research.
Mejia, who served as a head delegate, said the event provided her with “real-life situations in the world of politics.”
“Me and my delegation had the opportunity to apply our problem-solving, time-management, and critical-thinking skills, as well as meeting new people from all around the world with the same interests as us,” said the political science and sociology major from Matagalpa, Nicaragua. “I was able to gain knowledge and expertise in areas that were new to me, and I would definitely say that I am not the same person that walked into the salon that first day of conference, since I have now been equipped with tools that allow me to see opportunities when I did not see them before, or even create my own. I support expanding the National Model United Nations Program at the University of the Ozarks, so that more students are impacted in the same diplomatic and unique way I was. I look forward to continuing to cultivate experiences in this field and proudly represent the University in upcoming conferences.”
Garcia, a business administration and political science major, said, “I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for this unforgettable experience where I was allowed to apply many of the theories learned in class. I was able to interact with students from all over the world, work together with multinational coalitions to formulate resolution papers resolving global issues, and step outside of my comfort zone to grow personally and professionally. I am extremely grateful to the Ozarks community for supporting us on this dreamed opportunity.”
Gutierrez, a business administration and political science major from Dolega, Panama, said, “Participating in NMUN was enriching, especially because of the exposure it gave me to address global issues and to challenge my leadership skills, which stimulated my critical thinking.”
Castro, a political science and finance major from San Salvador, El Salvador, said participating in NMUN made him realize the importance of the United Nations in the world.
“When you are the delegate of a nation whose people are being displaced, and you see the pictures of people trying to help each other with the little that they have, and you see them starving and dying, you realize that this ‘simulation’ means more than a mere role-play, and it goes beyond that,” Castro said. “We represented The Syrian Arab Republic, a nation facing crisis in many aspects that just exhaustive research could give you, and that is what NMUN leaves in you, the knowledge of a broader perspective, that most of the time is too different with that belief of what the real world is. I had an enriching experience, as I had the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people that understand the goal of politics in real life. It helped me realize why they are so important and how they shape the world we live in.”
Munguía, a political science and philosophy major from Nuevo León, Mexico, called the event a “unique opportunity to connect with university students from all over the world, where we immersed ourselves in research, writing, and negotiation processes to address the most important challenges of the contemporary global agenda. I believe that the delegation that attended incorporated very outstanding profiles, enabling the participation of the delegation that covered different critical areas of the debate in a holistic manner. And with immense joy, this allowed us to receive the honorable mention recognition among all the other present delegations.”
Williamson, a political science major from Fayetteville, Ark., said the event was a bit intimidating initially.
“At first it was scary, but then I finally got the hang of it by day two,” Williamson said. “I met some amazing people along the way, and I also formed lifelong friendships with my group. This is an experience that I hope that every student that wants to can participate in.”
Aguilar, a political science major, called the NMUN an eye-opening experience.
“It provided an incredible opportunity to engage with students from various colleges and universities, which broadened my perspective on global issues,” Aguilar said. “Through collaborative discussions and debates, I had the chance to interact with peers who offered diverse viewpoints, enriching my understanding of complex issues our countries are facing nowadays. One of the most significant aspects of NMUN for me was stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it was delivering speeches or negotiating resolutions, NMUN pushed me to confront challenges and develop essential skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. It was an amazing experience that helped me grow personally and professionally.”
Estrada, a political science and finance major from Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica, said she was grateful to have been a part of the experience.
“This opportunity not only provided me with a means to engage in a debate about issues of global importance but also helped me to interact, exchange views, and collaborate in a diplomatic environment with students from all over the world and from diverse backgrounds,” Estrada said. “I am extremely proud and grateful for the student delegation I was a part of. Each one of my classmates was fully committed to the project, and their participation in each committee was undoubtedly outstanding. I am sure that thanks to this talented team and our collaboration we were awarded the honorable mention recognition.”
Topics: Political Science