1.) Where are you with your action? (e.g. what involvement have you had so far? Describe with examples)
Since my last blog post about my Action, I have attended the final major conference of the year, CAIMUN, as both the Head Delegate of our school’s delegation and as an individual delegate. In this role, I was responsible for guiding our team throughout the conference, ensuring everyone stayed motivated and focused, while also maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. I participated actively in my committee’s debates, contributed to resolutions, and was proud to bring home awards. CAIMUN was a great way to wrap up the MUN season, and it truly highlighted how much I’ve grown as both a delegate and a leader.
2.) What are some successes that you have had? Provide specific examples.
Moving our whole group to the downtown hotel during rush hour wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Getting a big bunch of delegates through busy city streets took a lot of teamwork, constant check-ins, paying attention to every little detail, and making quick calls on the spot. It definitely felt hectic, but somehow, we pulled it off: everyone made it there safe and sound, no one got left behind, and all the luggage showed up in one piece. Looking back, that was one of those quiet wins that doesn’t get a lot of spotlight but really showed how well we worked together under pressure. It honestly set a great tone for the rest of the conference and reminded me how much good planning and leadership matter when things get hectic.
Last time at CAHSMUN, we were really hoping to all eat together at this one restaurant we loved, but because we waited too long to book, we ended up at our third choice of restaurants for team dinner. It was a bit disappointing because sharing that meal together was something we were all looking forward to. So this time, we made sure to talk early, pick the spot we wanted, and book ahead. It made such a difference! We got to enjoy amazing burgers, pasta, and steak all together, and honestly, it felt way more special knowing we planned ahead. It’s funny how something as simple as a reservation can change the whole vibe of a trip. Definitely a lesson learned for future conferences!
One of my biggest wins was winning an Honourable Mention at FIA while representing Zak Brown, that’s basically like getting third place. It definitely wasn’t easy; the whole process was pretty tough and challenging, but in the end, I came out on top. It felt really rewarding knowing all the hard work paid off, and it gave me a huge confidence boost for future conferences.
3.) What are some challenges that you have faced? Have you been able to overcome them? If so, how? Provide specific examples. If not, can you problem-solve some ideas that might work for next time or if a similar situation arises? Again, provide specific examples.
Around midnight of the Fridays , I got this urgent text from one of our delegates that just said, “IT’S AN EMERGENCY.” It caught me off guard, and when I found out what happened, I understood why. A friend of one of our delegates, who wasn’t even from our school, had been assigned to room alone with a boy. Obviously, that’s a really uncomfortable and unsafe situation. Right away, we knew we had to fix it. We helped her settle temporarily with some girls, then reached out to the CAIMUN secretariat to explain the problem and get her moved. It wasn’t an instant fix; we were emailing and texting back and forth, trying to find a solution in the middle of the night. But by about 1 a.m., she was safely settled in a new room, and the crisis was over.
Looking back, that moment really stuck with me. It was stressful, sure, but it also reminded me how important it is to stay calm and focused when things go wrong, especially when people’s safety and comfort are on the line. It also showed me how much a small group of determined people can do if they communicate well and keep pushing for solutions. I felt proud of how we handled it, but it also made me think about how crucial it is for conferences like this to have clear systems in place to avoid situations like that in the first place. It was a tough reminder that sometimes, unexpected problems come up, and it’s not just about being prepared logistically, but emotionally and mentally ready to step in and support others when it counts the most.
One of the trickier moments happened during Sunday dinner. The delegates were split, some wanted to go to McDonald’s, others were set on Bigway hotpot, and a few were craving pho. With only two BESTMUN presidents around, it was impossible to be in all three places at once or to fully accompany each group. It could have turned into a bit of a mess, but I managed to find a workaround. Luckily, there was a Bigway hotpot just a block away from a pho restaurant, so I arranged for one group to settle in at Bigway while keeping communication open with me and the others. Then, I went with the delegates who wanted pho and made sure everyone felt looked after. It wasn’t perfect, but we made it work, and everyone ended up happy. Looking back, moments like that really highlight how important it is to stay flexible and think on your feet when coordinating a big group. Sometimes it’s less about sticking to a plan and more about finding creative solutions so everyone feels included and heard.
4.) What are you doing next and why?
The next blog post will be about the celebration of learning and summarizing all of my learnings and experiences with Model UN!
Here is a reference to the CAIMUN official website
Hi Scott,
This was such a well-written and engaging reflection! It’s clear you’ve taken on a huge leadership role with how you balanced both logistical responsibilities and emotional support for your team. The example about moving everyone through the city during rush hour and managing late-night emergencies is not easy and you seemed to have handled them well. I also like how you reflected on smaller successes, like planning the team dinner in advance.
If there’s one thing to consider improving, it might be to include a brief reflection on how these leadership experiences have shaped your personal growth over the semester. For example, how have your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or confidence developed from your first conference to now?
Overall, I’m excited to see how you wrap everything up in your Celebration of Learning.
Perla
Hey Scott,
Great work on this post! You’ve done an excellent job of showing how you’ve grown as both a leader and a delegate. I really liked how you reflected on both the successes (like the team dinner) and the challenges (like the room issue) it gives a well-rounded view of your experience.
One thing you might consider adding in your next post is a deeper reflection on the skills you’ve developed throughout the MUN season. For example, how have your communication skills, decision-making, or teamwork abilities evolved from your first conference to now? This could give your readers a better sense of your personal growth and how these experiences are shaping you long-term.
Looking forward to your Celebration of Learning! Keep up the great work!
– Dara