That Shy Girl by Jane

That Shy Girl by Jane - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

In Model UN, students represent nations to solve real world issues. Delegates work together through writing and debate to form comprehensive plans. When I first entered high school, I was terrified of public speaking. After competing in Model UN, not only did I gain confidence in public speaking, but also learned how to lead others, facilitate debate, and improve my writing.

Making speeches are a key part in representing your country and your innovative solutions. Committee sizes range from 10 to over 200 people. In a smaller committee, speeches have to be made more frequently, training delegates to think on their feet and articulate what they want to say. In large committees, speeches must be well prepared and include all your ideas since there are less speaking opportunities. Freshman year, I was absolutely terrified to speak in front of audiences. In fact, at my first Model UN Conference, I cried in the middle of my first ever speech. Initially, I considered quitting the club since so much emphasis was placed on being a confident speaker as well as an assertive leader. However, I didn't. Throughout conferences I made mental notes on how other people spoke and translated good habits into my own speaking. For example, I learned to use hand motions to place emphasis, and to keep my voice steady and my tone casual. Rather than sitting in the back without speaking, I would push myself to constantly speak because I wanted to be like the club's officers- poised and confident. Before each speech, I would take deep breaths and go over all the points I wanted to address. Slowly, I was able to act and play the part of a strong speaker and leader. In a room full of strangers, I could be anyone I wanted to be. No one knew I was afraid to speak except for me. Although I still get nervous when speaking, especially in front of large committees, I have been able to transform myself into a confident and well versed delegate, who can now give a speech on the spot. Improving my speaking as a delegate has also carried over to how I carry myself in real life. I have been able to become more outgoing, friendly, assertive, and am no longer the shy girl that sits in the back, afraid to speak.

Since joining freshman year, I have developed into a member of Langley’s college team and have competed in both local and college circuits. The World Health Organization has always been my favorite committee because we discuss such a broad range of issues including water sanitation, migrant workers, immunization, food safety, and HIV/AIDS. Each nation has unique points of view and every delegate proposes creative solutions to tackle issues. I first considered a career in medicine because of my experiences in Model UN, when I realized just how large the disparities in global healthcare really are. Through Model UN, I have not only come out of my shell as a person, but have also become a mentor for younger students, who experience the same hesitancy that I did.