Interview with Ji-Young Hwang (CS of SC)

Ji-Young Hwang, better known as Jenny, is a rising sophomore at Yonsei University's Underwood International College. She is the Committee Secretariat for this year's Security Council, and here are some random facts about her. First, she is a complete bookworm. Second, she apparently has a huge forehead!? She confesses that even the thought of having once exposed it to the public is catastrophic. She has now covered herself up with a side fringe;) How adorable.

1.) Do you have any MUN experiences you’d like to share? A YDMUN experience I would like to share is simply the fun friendly atmosphere we have. Amongst all the serious topics and matters we discuss in our meetings, YDMUN is simply like a family and I have come to love the group as my 2nd family. Our weekly sessions always have something fun and entertaining about them. YDMUN identifies every individuals' mistakes and helps fix them without any criticism or scolding. In one sentence, the MUN experience I would say in general and overall is an enjoyable experience and that itself is an experience I would like to share and spread among other people.

2.) What are some challenges you faced when participating in MUN?

I am more of an independent person so it was challenging for me to work together with people (especially in the beginning of YDMUN) with distribution of work, deadlines and checking up for the good of the whole group. Once I got used to it however, and got close to the people I was working with, it became a joy to work with them and be part of the group. For MUN in general, I think the toughest challenge for me was to hold back many things I wanted to say. Obviously, MUN has many rules (no direct conversations allowed) and you have to stay on topic, etc. MUN is just a type of way of communication you have to get used to.

3.) What aspect of MUN do you consider most valuable?

Meeting new people. I have met many individuals just through having participated in MUN. Or even better, even without having done MUN with them, if I have a contact who does a lot of MUN, then it automatically leads me to others who also do MUN. Such automatic flow of contacts, I think, is one of the most valuable outcomes of MUN. For the most valuable aspect of the process of MUN, MUN helps a person become confident and more outspoken; focused and on the point. It also improves one's ability to discuss and negotiate (not debate or fight). 

4.) What are your top 3 tips for a successful YMUN experience?
BE CONFIDENT. There will be people who try to bring you down or go against your idea; it's important to have confidence and not get beaten by this.

HAVE FUN. MUN is about doing well in the committee and there will be competition amongst the delegates to win the awards but having fun really is the key to properly enjoy a MUN experience; you will meet some wonderful people and make many new friends.

Have lots of BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE/RESEARCH on the topic. Having an expansive knowledge on your topic and even just the UN will naturally help you become more confident. 

5.) Any last words for this year's YMUN delegates?

Just try to have fun. Be an active participant and try to contribute all you can WHILE you can. There are many people who go away from MUN regretting because they didn't speak as much as they could have. Don't be the one who feel this way. Do everything you can. Contribute and have fun whilst in the moment(:

D-8