Hamilton student thankful for Model UN experience

Delegates from around the world attended the Harvard and Yale Model UN events - and Hillcrest High School student Nisha Novell was among them. Photo/Supplied

Hillcrest High School student Nisha Novell has just returned from the United States after taking part in the Harvard and Yale Model United Nations.

Delegates from around the world attended the events, involving speaking, considering UN frameworks, debating existing policies, and suggesting ways to improve them with amendments and resolutions.

"They try to model it as closely to the actual United Nations process as possible," said Nisha.

The 17-year-old had previous experiences of involvement in similar events, having been mentored by Hamilton East MP David Bennett when she was involved in the New Zealand Youth Parliament, for which she sat in the debating chamber with other young people and spoke on parliamentary bills over a few days.

"Both times were really great experiences. It was definitely good to be around such like-minded people," she said.

"Often the politics can be quite dry, so that also takes real patience and commitment right there.

Nisha commented that she knew other young people who have been involved in model UN events, which was of great benefit to them.

"I really owe a lot of thanks to David Bennett for picking me all the way back in early Year 11 when I was much more of a freshman to a lot of these things. There were many other qualified people who were much older, but he kind of took a chance with me and I just really appreciate that. It really helped me try more new things."

She also did the New Zealand Model UN, which is held in Wellington each year, and got a scholarship from the Italian embassy, meaning she got to meet the Italian ambassador and discuss political issues with him.

Nisha intends to study law at university, to which her participation in model UNs and youth parliaments is closely relevant.

The student is also interested in writing, reading and English generally, through which her interest in law has grown.

A great achievement when attending the Harvard Model UN was Nisha's entry into the essay competition.

Three thousand delegates from around the world entered the competition, and she came in the top 10. The overall committee was made up of high calibre international students.
"I was absolutely intimidated, I can't lie," said Nisha.

"Really everything should just be taken as a blessing.

"I don't think I should be super-confident, but it was really lovely. Now that I'm back in New Zealand, there's obviously other challenges school-wise.

"I think I was one of only a few from public schools and also from Hamilton - everyone else was from Auckland - so I think it's really important to try and remain as humble as you can. Sometimes it's really good for you."

The group of students making up the model UN travelled around the United States, visiting San Francisco, New York, New Haven, Boston and Philadelphia.

They also got to watch an NBA game and a Broadway show to get a real taste of American cultural entertainment.

Nisha said the entire trip was "amazing," and was a great way to start off her year.

She has a message to other Hamilton students, that taking part in an event like the Model UN can be really valuable.

"I really want to encourage students from other places besides Auckland to apply and go for these things," she said.

"I myself know a lot of students that are really capable in places like Hamilton who maybe aren't as aware of these things, or don't think they're as capable, and that's not true.

"They should give themselves a chance."