Reaction NY NHSMUN: Jimena Budar

Reaction to the New York National High School Model United Nations 2016

And, indeed, it was one of the most tiring weeks of my life. I prepared myself for months and walked for hours, but it turned out to be a particularly enriching experience that I'd go through again without thinking twice.

Every city has its own personality, with its many faces and mood swings. Every hood has its essence, and every person experiences the place differently.

For me, New York is utterly defined by its people. The fact that the city is packed with foreigners is part of its charm. There is always someone new or a story from a far away place to listen to. You get to hear all kinds of accents and languages and to taste dishes with spices you hadn't heard of.

Being there in the middle of people from all over the world, in a way made me feel at home.

But what I like most about New York is that you can find anything if you know where to look. In the museums, I found landscapes from the 17th century and paintings I’d only seen on posters. In the streets, I ran into music from unknown artists and buildings from all eras.

Even Times Square has its own magic, with the Broadway shows, the huge billboards, and the big stores.

So, being there was already like a dream, but the NHSMUN side of the trip was just as fun.

We got to work with people from everywhere and to learn a lot from others' perspectives and opinions. The experience also allowed us to know how one of the most important organizations in the world works and how to argue and stick to our policy while agreeing with others to create the best resolution.

And, indeed, it was one of the most tiring weeks of my life. I prepared myself for months and walked for hours, but it turned out to be a particularly enriching experience that I'd go through again without thinking twice.

Jimena Budar Quesada, CCH 2