by Allie Maloney

This is my second year at UGA and my first year on the Model United Nations team. Last year, with COVID restrictions, I had a hard time getting involved in things and struggled to find a niche where I felt like I was a part of a family. This past fall, I was determined to find my home on campus, so I auditioned for the Model UN team. I was ecstatic when I got the phone call that I made it, and I am still ecstatic to this day every time I get to see my team.

Model UN is a SPIA-run organization, but it is open to all UGA students. Our team is diverse, with students holding so many different passions. We practice once a week and travel to different colleges to compete. This past fall, we traveled to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and this spring we are going to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville to compete. These trips give you an opportunity to compete with students from many different colleges and also spend time bonding with people from the UGA team. We also host a high school conference for schools all across Georgia where we prepare their background scenarios and chair their committee sessions. Participating in this event has been one of my favorite things I have done with my time at UGA so far and I can’t wait for next year. I have loved helping the high schoolers learn how to be better delegates as I have become a better one myself.

Since being in Model UN, I have seen great improvements in my public speaking, critical thinking and creativity. Simulations have really challenged what I thought were my strengths, and have driven me to work harder to be better. Everyone on the team is so helpful in pushing each other to reach their goals. This camaraderie makes UGA Model UN one of a kind. If you are interested in being on the team, auditions are in the fall and information can be found on the @uga_mun Instagram.