Cedars, March 2019

March 2019 8 CAMPUS by Bryson Durst D iplomats from around the world debate and argue issues, draft res- olutions and make compromises. These are all scenes from the United Na- tions, the world’s premier diplomatic forum. Cedarville’s own model U.N. team will travel to New York in April to partici- pate in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) competition. Alexandria Hentschel is a team captain who has participated in Model U.N. since high school. “I’ve loved being with Cedarville’s team because of how we interact with each other,” she said. “I love that we want to win, but we want to compete with excellence.” Diplomacy at the United Nations re- quires a variety of skills including speaking, writing and negotiating. These skills that are also useful outside of the corridors of power. Cedarville’s Model U.N. team, led by international studies professor Dr. Glen Duerr, seeks to train students in these skills in order to prepare them for their God-given calling. Cedarville’s Model U.N. consists of 16 students selected by Duerr. In order to en- sure that the team has experience in a va- riety of areas, team members come from many different majors. This year the team includes students studying international studies, political science, English, Spanish, global business, computer science and mo- lecular biology. The team participates in three competi- tions every year. The first is a one-day practice tourna- ment in which each student participates as a different country in a mock U.N. Gener- al Assembly, the annual meeting of all the countries in the United Nations. Every year the students debate a different topic that they have researched. The second competition, Dayton Model U.N. Competition (DAYMUNC), lasts for two days. Once again, each stu- dent represents a different country. In- stead of the General Assembly, however, each student participates in one of four committees. Two of these simulate the U.N. Security Council (the most powerful body at the U.N.). The other two general- ly consist of one widely known committee and one of which the general public is less aware. This past year, they were UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) and CCPCJ (Commis- sion on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice), respectively. NMUN is the biggest event, however, drawing more than 3,000 students. At this competition each team represents one coun- try. Cedarville, being a smaller team, gener- ally represents smaller nations; this year, they will be representing the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. Students are divided among eight different committees, where they emulate different U.N. functions. In addition to competing with students from around the world, students at NMUN get to enjoy some unique experiences. The competition’s closing ceremony takes place in the building where the actual U.N. Gener- al Assembly is held every year. In addition, students have a few days to explore New York City. As with any competitive event, prac- tice is important. According to Duerr, the team holds one rehearsal every week during the spring semester. At each re- hearsal, the teams focus on a different area of competition. These areas include giv- ing a speech, summarizing a position on a topic, discussing an issue in a committee and drafting a resolution. Some students even have the opportunity to deliver their resolutions in the U.N. General Assembly chamber at NMUN. Judging by the team’s record, the prac- tice has paid off. For awards, judges consider what Du- err described as “a range of criteria from public speaking to attentiveness to timeli- ness to the content of their material to their writing and editing.” He pointed out that, at DAYMUNC this year, team members won five of the top eight awards. Three of these were “out- standing delegation” awards, which means that the team member was the best per- forming member of his or her committee. Meanwhile, at NMUN, Cedarville has won the outstanding delegation award three of the past four years. Nevertheless, Duerr’s primary concern is that Cedarville’s team members “put their best effort forward,” awards or not. Duerr seeks to ensure that the team members are reaching a thorough under- standing of the real United Nations. He also wants them to look at its operations from a biblical viewpoint. In addition, he believes that it’s a great opportunity for students planning to have careers in diplomacy, law, politics or business. For instance, Duerr mentioned that he has heard from students who have dis- cussed it “in a law school or graduate school interview,” and that it could also be benefi- cial on job applications or resumes. Finally, students considering a career in the State Department could benefit as well. Hentschel plans on going to law school after her time at Cedarville, and expects to benefit from her experience on the Model U.N. team. However, she said Model U.N. can be a valuable for anyone. “All the energy and time I spent re- searching policies in the real world, and working with people from all over the world to meet common goals, is useful in any pro- fession,” Hentschel said. “It makes you cos- mopolitan and a global citizen.” Bryson Durst is a freshman Biblical Studies major. He enjoys theology, history, playing strategy games with friends and anything Star Wars related. Model U.N. Team Competes, Learns, Wins Awards Cedarville student delegates set to head to New York for annual national competition Photo courtesy of Dr. Glen Duerr Cedarville’s Model U.N. team, shown at last year’s national competition in New York, seeks excellence as they compete at the national level.