Students shine at Model UN event

Rabe, a sophomore from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science, learned about the Model UN competition from Chand on the first day of class in the fall after transferring from Middle Georgia State University. The transfer student has already launched a student group, Starting Bridge USA, and is grateful for how UNG is shaping him.

"I'm getting out there in politics so I can build my resume," Rabe said. "All of these opportunities propel me toward a career in politics in ways that I didn't understand beforehand."

Strecker, a sophomore from Lilburn, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs with a European concentration, examined how to bring food into war-torn areas without impacting sovereignty in his SRMUN work representing Italy.

"This competition helped me get more familiar with international affairs," Strecker said.

Fuentes, a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, said Model UN, his coursework and mentorship from Miner are putting him on the path to law school.

"UNG provides you with the resources necessary to succeed," he said.

The conference offered a valuable growth opportunity for the students.

"They were very supportive of each other and performed very well," said Dr. Bibek Chand, associate professor of political science and international affairs and Model UN faculty adviser at the Gainesville Campus.

Dr. Jon Miner, a professor of political science and Model UN faculty adviser at the Dahlonega Campus, said SRMUN was a great professional development setting.

"The applicability of the skills at the conference helps these students in whichever job they start after graduation," Miner said.

The ninth annual Model UN Conference at UNG is set to be held March 27 from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Health Sciences Building. Students can register following this link if interested. The theme for this year's conference is "Addressing the Rights of Migrants and Freedom of Movement." The event is open to students pursuing any degree at UNG.