The United Nations Project defines Sophomore year at Seattle Prep. Every graduate and upper classmen has a story to tell about their UN experience. Here is some of the universal advice which all upper class men give to anxiety ridden sophomores.

First, hope for a good UN partner. Many students think this is the most important part of UN but truly the only reason your partner is there is to bounce ideas off and to explore your country further.

Next, get a good country, that is not so small that it has very little to offer. But, don’t get a huge country that is highly controversial and is involved in every issue. It is not possible to get a bad country. Every country has its pros and cons. You must research your country and complete Notecards. DO NOT GET BEHIND. You will be up all night the night before they are due.

Next, pick a topic for your country paper that interests you and that again is not too narrow in scope, but worst of all, not a topic that is too overwhelming.

Next is to be put on a committee you have interest in so that you can do the research and write a good resolution. Then, as your nation, you must prepare for the actually UN, preparing yourself to defend your resolution and well as challenge the resolutions of others. Emily Jordan ’17 said it is important to “stay aware of the news, as positions and circumstances on issues can change between the time you start your research and the actually UN.”

Mira Wellington ’18 explained that, literally the night before the UN presentation, her classmate’s country completely changed their position on an issue and they had to research and organize a new position in just one night. These are two opinions, but there is one piece of advice which everyone gives and almost no one follows. “Don’t get behind, do some work every day, so there is not so much to do at the end.” Easier said than done!