In 1945, the United Nations was established. Now, in 2024, the Model United Nations, or MUN, club at Oviedo High School is in full swing. After their interest meeting on September 10th, many students joined the club, hoping to improve their debate skills and overall understanding of international affairs. 

MUN encourages students to work with one another in order to solve hypothetical problems throughout the world. They are assigned countries to represent, and then they research the countries’ issues and culture to find the best solutions to these predicaments. 

“Model United Nations is a club where students come together and look at real world problems similar to what the actual United Nations looks at, and they try to come up with solutions to them by working in groups,” Adelaida Ehinger, club sponsor, said.

Often, people end up debating with each other over the best way to handle international affairs, both sides believing they have the superior solution that will benefit every party. 

Senior Secretary Elizabeth Zavardino believes joining the club will benefit students, as their debate skills will significantly improve. These debate skills can also build confidence, as people will not be as timid when sharing their opinions.

“Everyone should join Model UN,” Zavardino said. “It can really help everybody with their debate skills.”

On top of debate skills, MUN also builds on students’ leadership skills and helps them prepare for important life events, such as job interviews, official presentations, and college applications.

“I think it will give me more experience in leadership roles and teaching kids how to write position papers, and it’ll help me characterize myself for college applications,” Sweta Arumguam, junior and Vice President, said.

Coming back with renewed strength, many students are excited to join this interesting club. Working on their debate skills, professionalism, and leadership skills, members are gaining important experience that will help them throughout their life.