The days leading up to the program were extremely nerve-racking, and I questioned whether I would actually succeed in the institute. I was so anxious because, while I was curious and excited about what Model United Nations is and how it works, I was afraid that I would be the only person there without experience in Model UN. I comforted myself with the idea that my experience in Mock Trial would give me the foundation I needed to do well in Model UN, but I could not help but feel lost as I typed my position paper on two topics - discrimination against women and child soldiers - from the delegation of Portugal's perspective.

On the first day of the Model UN Summer Institute, I was relieved to learn that the institute was diverse in the races and socio-economic backgrounds of all the participants, and I befriended various people who fundraised to be able to attend the institute as well. Over one hundred high school-aged people came from all corners of the world - Turkey, Chicago, India, East Los Angeles, Nigeria, Connecticut, Texas, New Zealand, New Jersey, and Korea from what I can remember. To say the least, I was not the only one who felt anxious nor was I the only one with zero experience in Model UN. The first couple of days were overwhelming, though - three hour lectures on subjects ranging from historical flash points to Model UN procedures - but the counselors and event coordinator made sure that we enjoyed every second of the institute.

We had tons of fun - there was a tour and scavenger hunt on UCLA's campus, a day dedicated to sightseeing during which we swam at the Santa Monica beach, board games before "lights out", a celebratory dance party, and even a short lesson dedicated to UCLA's traditional 8Clap! I was never hungry, either - UCLA's dining hall is ranked on the list of top 20 dining halls in the US - and rightfully so! The food was definitely part of the motivation that kept me going through the day despite the seven hour committee sessions we had three days in a row.

I made great friends that introduced me to new foods and cultural perspectives, popular dance moves and their local slang. I plan on maintaining the relationships I made with the students and counselors from this institute and using the knowledge I gained to continue my Model UN career in college.