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Following a trip to a conference in Washington, D.C., the University of New Haven’s returned with an impressive array of accolades, including two Outstanding Delegation awards for representing Australia and Argentina, six Outstanding Position Paper awards, and one Outstanding Delegate award.

For Nessy Cherazard ’27, a political science major, and winner of the Outstanding Delegate award, the conference was more than a competition—it was a transformative experience that tested her skills, forged lifelong connections, and reinforced her passion for diplomacy.

Nessy shares her MUN journey, from stepping into her first simulation as a first-year student to standing at the forefront of an international debate. Along the way, she discovered the power of teamwork, learned the art of compromise, and achieved personal milestones that will guide her far beyond the classroom. Here is her story in her own words.

I originally became involved with MUN during the second semester of my first year. Dr. Chris Haynes, director of the University of New Haven’s MUN team, saw something in me. Before I knew it, I was sitting in a classroom full of my peers, immersed in what the semester with MUN would entail. Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. I’ve been eager to build on my experiences, refine my skills, and gain fresh perspectives.

Reflecting on my first semester, I pinpointed areas where I could improve and sought advice from our head delegates, Dr. Haynes and Joseph Scollo, senior research & engagement librarian for the University’s . Their guidance in simulations, strategies, and team dynamics proved invaluable.

The Washington, D.C., conference was filled with unforgettable moments, but one that truly stood out was merging my group’s resolution paper with another group’s. Initially we struggled to communicate, and the leaders weren’t always on the same page about how to move forward. Each delegate had strong opinions, and we all wanted everyone’s voice to be heard. Despite the challenge, we came together, created a plan, and spent the final hours of the conference collaborating to produce a unified resolution. That experience taught me the importance of teamwork, compromise, and perseverance.

"This program pushes you out of your comfort zone, sharpens your communication skills, and teaches you how to lead and collaborate effectively." Nessy Cherazard '27

Completing the semester and attending the conference were milestones in and of themselves, but seeing our hard work pay off was a feeling like no other. I tackled new challenges, achieved personal goals, and formed meaningful friendships along the way. Winning the Outstanding Delegate Award was the icing on the cake, as it was a testament to my growth, effort, and the support of my team. By the end of the conference, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in what we had accomplished, and I couldn’t wait to do it all over again.

MUN matters because it’s more than just an academic exercise. It’s a way to practice real-world skills in a supportive but challenging environment. It teaches you how to work with others, handle tough conversations, and find solutions to complicated problems. For me, MUN is about growth. It’s a space where I’ve been able to challenge myself, learn from others, and come out stronger. It’s also shown me how interconnected the world is and how important collaboration is in addressing global issues.

MUN has been unlike any other academic experience I’ve had. I only wish I’d known about it sooner. This program pushes you out of your comfort zone, sharpens your communication skills, and teaches you how to lead and collaborate effectively. It’s the kind of experience that prepares you for your professional, academic, and personal life, and it teaches you about global issues and political systems. For anyone considering joining MUN, I can’t recommend it enough. One semester is all it takes to get hooked. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the final gavel drops.

Nessy Cherazard '27 is a political science major.