NISCMUN 2023: New Experiences

In October of 2022, Logos attended ISPPMUN Conference with nearly forty delegates for a largely successful three-day event. While it was well and smoothly executed, nothing could calm the nerves within each Logos delegate, as most of them embarked on their first ever MUN conference. Apart from a select few experienced delegates, most people remained quiet and followed the voice of the majority.

However, NISCMUN was a different story. Between March 3 to March 5, twenty Logos students attended the conference at Northbridge with a renewed confidence in their capabilities. This time, they weren't first-timers, and they could hold their shoulders high with that knowledge.

The opening ceremony was a surprisingly quick event, with speeches from student leaders, teacher-directors, and an ambassador from the Australian embassy served to mark the official start of the conference. A musical performance was given by the local Northbridge band. Their performance of OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" mesmerized the audience with skillful drums, powerful guitars, and stunning vocals. Once the raging applause had begun to thin, delegates were dismissed by committee. Logos students separated into seven different committees that all focused on different aspects. Some were solely on human rights while others focused on financial, economic, or environmental topics.

Once the short interval for dinner had elapsed, they separated again back into their respective committees to work on resolutions to global issues. MUN serves not only to make new connections but also to teach participants about modern-day, global issues and show how people can make a difference. The exercise in diplomacy and problem-solving is a vital exercise not only regarding the UN but also all other aspects in life.

On the second day, no one was happy at first. According to the schedule, twelve straight hours at Northbridge awaited them. Admittedly, there were two thirty minute breaks between debates, but no snacks whatsoever would be provided. The atmosphere on the minibus was stormy as delegates read over their speeches and resolutions. However, once debate began in all committees, people slowly crawled out of their shells to express their nation's views on the topics at hand.

Many approached the podium to share their opinions on proposed resolutions, amendments, and more. Others boldly stood to question the speakers in the form of POIs -or, in lay-person's words, inquiries. Once the first break rolled around, students were happy to express their successes to their friends and teachers alike. Since no snacks were given, most were content to roam the endless paths of Northbridge and appreciate the greenery that surrounded the campus while discussing what had occurred in their committees.

Once debate time began again, students immediately switched back into their semi-professional business mode. With their suits, blouses, and blazers, they sure looked the part. Most went on to get their proposed resolutions passed with little opposition while others had to fight tooth and nail against opposing nations. The sun rose and sank while debates filled the halls and classrooms of Northbridge. By the time dinner rolled around, all delegates were exhausted from the endless speeches and POIs they gave and answered. The buffet of fried goods, mini burgers, and more delighted the hungry students as they dug in before a "social" event. All that was revealed about the social event was its name, so many were skeptical as they approached the auditorium after their filling meals. However, the raucous music, party lights, and excited people quickly affected the Logos students as well as they jumped right in to dance and party with their counterparts from other schools. On the projector, student leaders projected anonymous confessions from members of different committees. Some confessed love for their fellow delegates while others admitted to farting in the middle of their debate. Laughter echoed across the walls as a leader read the confessions aloud with a bizarre expression and hilarious side comments.

Once all the confessions had been read, time for dancing resumed as a DJ up front played song after song to keep the delegates dancing. Some friends grouped into circles to dance together while others sought out people they were interested in to ask for their Instagrams. Shocked and crazed screaming soon filled the room as bold delegates approached people they liked. After a solid hour of "socializing," the second day of MUN drew to a close. On the bus ride back to Logos, students were still buzzing from the event, too filled with adrenaline to give in to their body's urges to pass out, dead asleep.

The final day was the final stretch. Students arrived at Logos reinvigorated and more confident after the social event and successful debates the day before. All that remained was a final debate session, plenary, and a closing ceremony. Debate concluded quickly, and chairs made use of the remaining time for superlatives, where delegates could vote on which delegates were the prettiest, best dressed, most confused, and more. Laughter immediately ensued as the results were shared, and the final debate closed with everyone feeling lighthearted.

Plenary soon commenced, meaning all committees joined in the auditorium for a joint-debate session. In front of almost 200 people, it was terrifying to dare to stand up to give a speech or POI. However, unlike the ISPPMUN, at NISCMUN, many Logos delegates dared to approach the daunting podium. A sixth grader gave a speech in front of the shrewd delegates, and despite her trepidation, she performed excellently. Some Logos delegates were disappointed not to be called and chosen by the chairs despite raising their placards for a chance to speak. Once the two hour session elapsed, delegates were freed to enjoy their final meal at Northbridge. Pesto pasta and roast chicken highlighted the lunch as people clumped together to discuss their day so far. Committees were called up to take group pictures. The newly bonded delegates posed for the camera with their new friends, some even jokingly making hearts and silly poses.

The closing ceremony was the final event. Delegates re-gathered in the auditorium, awaiting the announcements of who had won the best delegate award. Chairs from each committee came up to give speeches applauding all their delegates. Everyone, they all assured, had provided ample contributions to the debate. They highlighted memorable moments, like when a delegate accidently got locked out or when another tried to start a war against Germany. Many Logos students received honorable mentions for their contributions to the debate. However, only one received the title of best delegate. Rayana from Grade 7 received the award for JGA3.

After the awards, the conference came to an end with the bang of the secretary-general's gavel against the surface of their table. Students filed out of the auditorium and jumped into their respective buses. Logos students quickly found their minibus, parked and waiting to whisk them away from the sprawling Northbridge campus.

Once they arrived back at Logos, the journey had officially drawn to a close. Memories, friends, and a sense of confidence were made in each and every delegate as they embarked on their journey. Suits and ties were shrugged off as they assumed their typical character, not the professional one they had shown for the three days. Yet the smiles they wore throughout the conference remained, bright and full of pleasant memories.

Here's to a successful and memorable NISCMUN!

- Serena L.