Amman Model United Nations
Once again, it was time to step into the shoes of the world’s ambassadors. This time was different though; we did not only suit up, but rather took that extra step, packed our stuff along with our passports and headed to Jordan. For this year we had the chance to participate in the 10th annual Amman Model United Nations Conference (AMMUN 2011), our first international seminar; a memorable, exhilarating and amazing experience that served to further expand our knowledge about international affairs, politics, decision- making, etc.
There we were in Jordan with other international students from all parts of the world: Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, England, Australia, etc. and never in our lives have we felt so different and diverse, yet so alike at the same time. We were all coming from multiple cultures, ethnicities, religions, and opinions but we all shared the same passion, fervor, and visions of the world. Right from the start, the conference proved to be both serious and intriguing as its committees’ agendas were filled with various interesting topics that ranged from the threat of nuclear weapons in South Korea to the economic situation in Sudan. Furthermore, the theme for this year’s conference, “Youth: A Catalyst for Reform” , could not have been more fitting, looking at the events and revolutions sparked by the youth’s enthusiasm and desire to change all around us. The conference’s young diplomats did not fail to exhibit ardor and passion, which showcased itself in all the heated debates and resolution-making assemblies, where innovative ideas and suggestions were tackled back and forth. Amman Model United Nations was the perfect place for that because it was simply a place where diversity was celebrated, a place where the youth were encouraged to take an initiative to actually change something and speak up.
And amidst all the countless points of order, the Chairs, and long speeches, a journey is never complete and never the same without friends. So without doubt, we could not have asked for a better group of people, a better delegation. It was a great pleasure to meet each and every one and further get to know others. And of course the experience- and we say this without doubt- would have never been this successful and enjoyable if it were not for our two lovely witty advisors Mrs. Mona Majzoub and Ms. Hiba Shamandi who were with us every single step of the way and made the journey all the more worthwhile.
We will never forget the nights we spent rehearsing speeches in our hotel rooms nor will we ever forget our crazy fun gatherings afterwards by the pool. We will never forget eating “Super- sized” Shawarma at the 3rd Dawar nor will we forget battling with our dinars. We will never forget busting moves in the middle of the night, lively mornings and rushing trays at breakfast. There are so much good memories and moments of laughter and utter happiness in everything we did and everywhere we went, from the assembly rooms that echoed with our stern voices, to the revolving doors that witnessed a lot of accidents, to the hotel lobby that saw a lot of socializing and mingling, and to the city of Jerash, with all its astounding culture and sheer brilliance, that still resonates our songs and Dabke.
Finally, we can proudly say that we’ve stepped out of this experience as international delegates and future pioneers of reform and peace; we’ve stepped out of this as more open-minded people with a greater acceptance and understanding of our surrounding, the world, and the people around us.

Lara Houshou - Grade 12