nmuN ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
NMUN is a great experience! Don't believe it? Check out the experiences from past NMUN alumni.
Juan Montero Garzon
(Head Delegate 2021-2022, Delegate for 3 years)
Juan (left) alongside his NMUN partner Victoria (right)
at the 2022 NMUN conference representing Bolivia.
My experience in Model UN was hands down the best aspect of undergrad. I applied to Model UN for reasons echoed by many of my peers; the camaraderie aspect of the class intrigued me and the promise of an educational yet rewarding week in New York piqued my curiosity. At the time, I wasn’t aware of the forthcoming challenges that would disrupt my experience in not only NMUN, but in all other aspects of my life.
That first year my experience was halted unexpectedly by the COVID-19 pandemic. A week before the 2020 team was prepared to leave for New York, we were completely shut down along with what seemed to be the rest of the world.
While the pandemic didn’t improve immediately and it was almost a sure fire that any conference the following year would be held remotely, I continued forward my second year because of the incredible experience and mentorship I had. The leadership and passion exerted by my peers my first two years was incredibly contagious, all without receiving the reward of a trip to culminate their incredible hard work. The 2020 & 2021 teams hold a special place in my heart for that reason.
I was fortunate enough to serve as co-head delegate my final year, and finally get the chance to experience the NMUN NY conference. I will always be thankful for NMUN, as I can without a doubt say that my participation improved all aspects of my education and strengthened a multitude of my skills, as well as rewarded me with friendships and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Kolton Kladifko
(Delegate 2021-2022, Delegate for 1 year)
Kolton (left) alongside partner Melane (right) at the 2022 NMUN conference in New York.
Being a part of the Model UN Team was one of the highlights of my time at Cal Poly Pomona. It gave me the opportunity to experience new perspectives from my peers around the world and grow closer to my peers at home. Spending long nights in the library working on papers seems daunting at first but I found that I instantly connected with the other students and had a great time. It’s also much easier to spend late nights in the library knowing that it's all leading to the trip to New York.
I originally felt out of place in Model UN since International Relations was not my focus for my degree. However, I soon found out that having different perspectives, opinions, and backgrounds only makes the team stronger. Anything essential for the conference is easy to pick up if you stay committed to the team. Despite the amount of work that gets crammed into half a semester, it's an invaluable experience for anyone looking to broaden their horizons. Looking back, I learned so much in such a short time and was able to make friends that lasted long after graduation.
Carly Owens
(Head Delegate 2015-2016, Delegate for 3 years)
Carly (right) with her NMUN partner Chris (left)
at the 2015 NMUN conference
Model UN was one of the best experiences of my college career. It opened my eyes to the world around me, taught me to always look at the big picture and showed me the importance of diversity and collaboration. While the thought of discussing world problems at length is depressing to some, for me it was empowering because once problems are understood, solutions can be found. Working with students from all over the world to find these solutions was a unique experience that would be hard to replicate anywhere else.
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When I first started in the program, I didn't know anything about industrial development, the fight for gender equality, or the global food supply. But that's exactly what's so unique about this program: if you're willing to do the work, the knowledge you come away with is valuable beyond the classroom: it will help you become a better problem solver and global citizen. The NMUN program changed my life and equipped me to be a world-changer, no matter where my career takes me.
Melissa Petersen
(Head Delegate 2014-2015 Delegate for 3 years)
National Model United Nations is a highly dynamic, international program that creates a sort of experience that won't be found anywhere else. As a former member of Cal Poly Pomona's team, we have always made it a priority to accomplish award-winning recognition year after year, and as a result, we have become well-respected among the NMUN community. Our delegates have also created life-long friendships with students from all parts of the world. For instance, while studying abroad, I visited friends I had made during NMUN and have continued to stay in touch. These friendships have allowed me to continuously learn about our world and even receive pertinent advice on my current graduate school applications.
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My role as a delegate and head delegate in Cal Poly Pomona's NMUN team has lead to a fellowship in Washington, D.C., incredible internships with nonprofits and political offices, and my current position at L.A. City Hall. As you can tell, there's something about having NMUN experience on one's resume.
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Because of NMUN I have learned more about myself as a leader, as a follower, as a millennial in a globalizing world and as a activist for meaningful change. I am confident in my writing and public speaking, I am intellectually engaged in international affairs, and since my time with NMUN, I am determined to work for the United Nations by the end of my career.
Melissa (left) with co-head delegate Daniel (right)
at the 2015 NMUN conference
Leona Hill
(2014-2015 NMUN Delegate)
I'd actually been aware of NMUN since high school and it had played a factor in selecting Cal Poly Pomona for my undergrad, although I didn't apply until my last year. I'll be the first to admit that I was incredibly nervous but it turned out to be one of my best experiences of my college career. I got significantly better at public speaking, and consolidating my ideas in writing. It's honestly something I'm always asked about on my resume and I love talking about it! After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona as a Political Science major, I moved back to Seattle and I now work with the State Attorney General’s Office. Beyond the advantages it provided to my career, I made so many great friends who I'm still in touch with to this day, and going to New York with all my friends is an experience I'll never forget!
Leona (right) with her NMUN partner Stephanie (left)
at the 2015 NMUN conference
William Acosta
(2015-2016 NMUN Delegate )
William (left) with fellow NMUN delegates Sarah (middle) and Ferry (right) at the 2016 NMUN conference
I can, with all honesty and no cynicism, say that participating in the National Model United Nations was among the best experience of my college career. Where else can you get an almost all expenses paid trip to New York, but that in and of itself was not all that made this an enriching experience. For one, this team necessitates the use of many skills that are critical to success in college, for instance research, writing, speaking, and debate. Additionally, these skills must be exercised collaboratively, with both teammates and strangers, if there is to be any hope for success.
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Perhaps I am being a bit overdramatic and dull, but I can say this for certain. While there is a lot of work, a lot of late hours, and a lot of stressful situations and jittering nerves, there are very few experiences in my college career that were as fulfilling as this. Not only did I get to meet new and great people (from all over the world), but I saw Phil Jackson eating a burger just a few feet from me (although I didn’t know who he was until later), I got to explore one of the most fascinating and famous cities in the world, and I got to sit in the General Assembly of the United Nations. I can go on about the nuances of what made this experience great, but that will be for you to explore and discover. My only regret is that I could only do it once.
The key to the most amazing door is at your fingertips, all you need to do is reach out and take it.
Jose Contreras
(2015-2016 NMUN Delegate Delegate for 2 years)
Jose (left) with fellow NMUN delegate Rima (right)
at the 2016 NMUN conference
I would not be the person I am today, without the experience that the Model United Nations team at Cal Poly Pomona has given me. The Model United Nations team offers you a chance to think critically about issues that affect the world, and articulate a particular stance or point on that issue. These debate aspects have allowed me to develop both my public speaking skills and my interactions with others. While Model United Nations can foster competition, it can also foster cooperation, understanding, and patience. These skills have allowed me to overcome many obstacles when working with others and attempting to understand different perspectives. The Model United Nations program also encourages leadership which further impacted my experience as I was able to interview for a leadership position and obtain it and help my peers. On top of this, Model United Nations forces you to become adept at researching and writing concisely, which has been extremely helpful when writing professionally and in school. And of course as an added perk, you get to travel and meet so many wonderful people.