Model UN (United Nations) hosted their first simulation of the year with around 10 students during Cardinal Hour in Room 3719 on Nov. 4.

While traditionally Model UN simulates real world nations with global issues, the club decided to talk about House Bill 1481, with certain delegates representing students, parents and administrators.

“The Model UN format is pretty interesting, just because it’s very wavy, but it still gives you a format and you still have to conform to a certain thing,” social media manager and junior Audrey Lawrence said. “But it doesn’t limit your creativity in your paper, and as long as you hit certain points, you can go as far as you want to win.”

The simulation began on Oct. 28. After deciding on the speakers, the minutes per speech and number of questions and follow-ups per speaker, delegates stood up at a podium to give their speech, simulating the United Nations.

“We decided on the house bill just because it seemed most relevant at the time,” Lawrence said. “We felt like a lot of students would want to be emotional about it, and that we would [teach] people how to separate their emotions and what they believe from what they think their stance should believe in.”

One aspect that stood out to senior Gabrielle Osborn was the use of placards, signs with a delegate’s name and position. Placards were used in order to signal questions and objections.

“It was really [interesting] seeing everybody who had made theirs,” Osborn said. “That was cool because it was a less stupid way of raising your hand.”

Lawrence and junior Charlotte Hart both gave speeches as “administrators,” giving their reasons as to why they supported the house bill.

“I picked the side that not many people want to agree with, that the phone bill is good,” Lawrence said. “But I think that being able to argue my point, even if it’s definitely one that I don’t agree with, is a really fun experience.”

Even though she didn’t get an opportunity to speak this time, Osborn plans to give her own speech during the next simulation.

“It’ll be a little challenging because I’m not great with public speaking, but watching my other delegates speak was really entertaining,” Osborn said. “I want to share my opinions and views and hopefully answer some questions.”

Despite the difficulty that came with writing and giving speeches, Lawrence saw the simulation as a learning experience for those who tried to write a speech.

“Model UN is really great to open perspectives for people,” Lawrence said. “It helps you understand both sides in the argument and how you need to argue, even if you don’t exactly agree.”

To stay updated about Model UN’s future events, join its Remind @modunbhs or follow its Instagram @model_unbhs.