SIMUN Blog

I was not really sure about what SIMUN would be like the first day, even though we had prepared a bit in Mrs. Bergeski’s class and had gone over parliamentary procedure in Mr. Fielder’s class. It was still a big unknown to me as to how it would run and what the people would be like. After the first day, though, I had a pretty basic understanding of what was expected of me and also what was expected of the group. The second day was a scenario in which my country, Mexico, was directly related to the problem. I opened the folder and I felt a little like passing out, but I slowly read the problem and then prepared myself for caucus. Everyone crowded around me asking my opinion and a bunch of questions, but I soon got used to it and was able to answer their questions. By the third day, I was extremely confident in what I was doing and spoke a couple of times, adding to the previous days of speaking where I was nervous and slightly hesitant.
I think, for a freshman at least, that I did pretty well at SIMUN. Though it was hard to get involved at first, I managed to speak once on the first day and made sure to caucus a lot. The second day was the most involving for me- I think I spoke two or three times and asked a question or two. I was very active in helping with writing the resolution by stating Mexico’s opinion. The third day was also pretty involving; I spoke again and tried to caucus like a maniac. For my very first try, I think I did well at being a delegate.
I was definitely glad that I had prepared enough beforehand. Reading multiple sources and comparing different figures and facts about my country and my issues helped me to better understand the problems we could be faced with and how my country would and should react. I took margin notes on some of my articles, which was a good thing when I needed a reference for a situation or for caucusing. The best thing I did to prepare was telling myself that I could do it and mentally preparing myself to talk without fear. You can research all you want and be an expert on the subject, but if you aren’t prepared to speak and share your opinion, then you won’t do well.
The only thing I might do differently for SIMUN next year is make sure that I speak more, and I want to try to help freshmen that don’t really understand the process. I want to be encouraging to them to prove to them that they can do it. I felt that I prepared myself enough this year, so otherwise I’m looking forward to SIMUN next year.

SIMUN Blog

As a delegate from Mexico, I would have to agree with the United State’s position on moving into Pakistan to secure the nuclear weapons and materials from the Taliban. Pakistan’s government has been known to be unstable, and the recent resurgence of extremist terror groups like the Taliban is a threat to not only Pakistan’s security, but the security of the entire world. If a terror organization like the Taliban were to come into possession of nuclear weapons, it could ignite a global conflict that would escalate into the destruction of mankind. A little extreme, but we have to think of all the consequences of our actions and the actions of others. I would hope that the Pakistani government understands the U.S.’s concern over loose nuclear materials and would work with the U.S. to eradicate the problem. The Taliban threat needs to be dealt with swiftly and thoroughly, and it needs to be dealt with very soon. The chances we are taking with having an openly terrorist group running around Pakistan unchecked are very risky. The U.S. was right in stepping in and intervening because most likely the Taliban would have moved in on the U.S. and the West first, since they are enemies. This might have triggered a nuclear response from the U.S., which could devastate not only Pakistan, but the surrounding countries. This would only lead to more conflict, when more countries got involved and possibly deploy their nuclear weapons also. Currently many countries have nuclear weapons or materials, or if it is unknown if they do, they could still have them. Unfortunately the scenario I see playing out is one where countries fight fire with more fire and everyone just ends up getting burned.
Mexico, again, fully supports the U.S. and would be willing to also work with the Pakistani government to supply troops or possible other aid. If ever the Taliban is willing to negotiate to cease their actions, then Mexico would be more than eager to attend, host, or observe these meetings; whatever is called for by the group and countries. Though Mexico’s own problems and economic issues prevent it from providing a ton of monetary support, any diplomatic support needed would gladly be bestowed by Mexico.

Children of the River

Everyone has heard of the terrible injustice that went on during World War II when Hitler and his German army murdered and tortures millions of Jewish people. Almost everyone has heard of the Tutsi massacre that occurred in Rwanda when feuding tribes recklessly killed one another over the death of the Rwandan president. It surprises me then, that many people do not know of the genocide-the killing of a people-that took place in Cambodia. After the United States left Vietnam and North Vietnam took over South Vietnam, Cambodia had a coup of sorts itself. A communist rebel group called the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia’s government and attempted to set up a form of communism similar to Maoist China. The Khmer Rouge believed that the population should be made to work as laborers in one huge group of collective farms. Anyone that disagreed with them- and all well-off and educated people- were killed, along with all un-communist ideas of traditional Cambodian culture. And so began what was known as the Exodus. Everyone-old, sick, newborns, injured, crippled, children-was forced to leave their home and march into the countryside. If people didn’t move fast enough or didn’t move at all they were killed, along with anyone who seemed weak during the march. Everyone’s rights were taken away-freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and pretty much all ability to make your own decisions. Families were split up on purpose and brought as far away as possible from their homes, anyone known to have received a formal education or a professional job (like in the medical field) was beaten to death along with their families, and anyone caught worshipping, singing, crying, or laughing was executed. After all these deaths the worse was still to come. The people that escaped execution were forced to be unpaid laborers, pretty much slaves, that were given barely any food, horrible living conditions, and expected to work for ridiculously long hours in the beating sun. Disease and sickness were rampant, and many more perished from pure exhaustion. The total death toll of the genocide is estimated to be well over two million people- almost 25% of Cambodia’s population. My book tells the story of Sundara, a young girl that escaped the genocide with her aunt, uncle, and cousins and comes to America for a better life. She is torn between adapting to her new school, surroundings, and country or sticking to the Khmer way and pleasing her strict aunt. All the while she is combating new found feelings for an American boy, Jonathan McKinnon, who is the son of the doctor that saved her sick cousin, and still praying that the boy she was promised in marriage to, Chamroen, is still alive in Cambodia. Her day to day struggle just to please her family and keep moving on is very well portrayed by the author and makes this book not only intriguing, but heartfelt.