Sastra Inggris

A whirl of magic encapsulated in powerful debates and reinforced with lifelong friendships. This is how I would describe my experience in Asia World Model United Nations VI which was held in Bangkok, Thailand a few weeks back. The four-day event was like a lightning-fast comet to me; brief beyond belief but still filled with the warmth of friendships and partnerships that will forever change me. And when I say that this event has changed me, I mean it! Because through this event, I have experienced the true meaning of learning something new every step of the way.

​I first discovered this outstanding event organized by the International Global Network through my interest in diplomacy. For a while now, I have had this growing curiosity about the world of international relations, endlessly wondering how I can use and even hone my skills that I have been very blessed to be able to learn at Sanata Dharma University. As a language student, I have been and always will be intrigued by how we can use language as not only a means of communication, but also to build bridges across communities, spark hope, convey new ideas, and bring peace to this world. My interest in the work of the United Nations also fuelled this curiosity. In a short burst of confidence, I applied for this program and I have been very grateful to have been accepted into it.

​It also has been such an honor for me to have three sponsorships from Sanata Dharma University. For the Vice Rector III team, the Faculty of Letters, and the Department of English Letters, I will forever be thankful for sponsoring me to be able to join this prestigious event without having to worry about the financial part of it. My parents have also been a great support system for me and have always pushed me to unlock my potential in events such as this one.

​Being in this event and speaking in front of many people from different backgrounds, countries, and ethnicities has aided me in my diplomatic speech skills. Not only did I have to properly convey substantial resolutions in my assigned council, UNESCO, from the point of view of my assigned country which was Egypt, but I also had to ensure the fact that other delegates could get behind my stance and find peaceful as well as useful resolutions together. During the day of the UNESCO council meeting, to say that I was nervous would be an understatement. However, I kept repeating in my head to be confident and to keep my head in the game. I stood out during the unmoderated caucus, as I drew the attention of other countries’ delegates to listen to my carefully planned resolutions. I made sure that what I wrote in my position paper beforehand truly was applicable and relevant to the issue on the table, which was climate change education at the time. In the consultation of the whole session, I debated and even shut down a delegate’s resolutions respectfully; this instance helped me learn how to disagree with someone respectfully. Toward the end of the session, I was entrusted by other delegates to present the draft resolution to everyone and answer questions and concerns regarding it. My debate and public speaking skills were really challenged that day.

​The delegates in this event were also provided with a city tour on the last day to see the beautiful Bangkok. I was so amazed by the sights and intricate culture that the people have there. To close the event, we were presented with cultural performances from various delegates who were very proud to introduce their national dances, songs, and other types of performing arts. During the closing ceremony, the chair and co-chair of the UNESCO council awarded me the Verbal Commendation Award, further pointing out how I truly stood out with my debating and speaking skills in the council meeting sessions. I am truly blessed and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this award. I am also beyond proud to conclude this event with a very prestigious award to take home.

​All in all, I strongly encourage my fellow students of Sanata Dharma University to take part in events such as this one. It may feel very brief, but you will without a doubt be rewarded with lifelong friendships, priceless skills, and warm memories to bring home. To conclude, I would like to remind all of you to remember to not hesitate in taking that first step, because a journey of a lifetime awaits you! Cheers!

Written by Eugenia 204214137