Participating in Model United Nations has been one of the most transformative experiences of my school life. I still remember my first MUN vividly. I didn’t win any award there, but instead of letting that disappointment consume me, I used it to fuel my drive for the next one. In my second MUN, I was determined to perform better and won a High Commendation, which boosted my confidence significantly. After that, there was no looking back. I went on to win Best Delegate in the next three MUNs I participated in, and each conference taught me lessons beyond the awards themselves.

MUNs made me realise what true leadership feels like, how to manage large groups of people, negotiate calmly under pressure, and guide blocs towards consensus. My diplomacy skills improved drastically because recruiting members from other blocs is never an easy task, especially when I was given the role of Russia multiple times. Representing Russia demanded in-depth understanding of complex geopolitical situations and the ability to think strategically while defending controversial stances.

My participation in MUNs also made me highly aware and informed about world affairs, international relations, and how countries balance their moral ideals with national interests. Over time, I understood that in MUNs, the quantity of research never matters as much as its quality; what truly counts is the sharpness of your arguments and how confidently and logically you put your ideas out there to make yourself heard. I used to work even during lunch breaks in conferences, re-strategising my speeches and resolutions to ensure I remained at the top of my committee’s discussions. It is this passion, commitment, and hunger to excel that have shaped me into who I am today.

Now, I am part of the organising committee at Veritas MUN, where I work behind the scenes to make conferences run smoothly, while also training and guiding new delegates. Seeing others grow through these platforms makes me realise how far I have come from being a nervous first-time delegate to someone others look up to. MUNs taught me that if you want to leave an impact, you must stand up, speak up, and take charge instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you. These experiences have strengthened my communication, negotiation, and critical thinking skills while also instilling in me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and staying composed under pressure.