“The Model UN conference is always a highlight of the year for me because we get to dive into these issues of diplomacy. It forces me to analyze issues from a variety of perspectives, and it always makes me realize how difficult it is to actually pass resolutions in the real U.N. because so many different countries have different priorities and positions on a single issue. This year, NDA represented Russia, but I represented the USSR on the Historical Security Council which traveled back to 1980. It was really hard to represent a perspective that I felt was morally wrong in regards to the Soviet-Afghan War, but you still have to dive in and commit to your country’s position even if you don’t agree with it. It’s really a good learning experience to have to jump into views different from your own that make you consider what are the benefits of this position which you otherwise might disregard. It’s challenging, but I love it.”