Collin MUN

We asked Jareck to share a part of his story, how he ended up in Model UN and why he's taking a gap year. Jareck first heard about MUN at Collin College in the summer of 2016 while taking Professor Iwanek’s U.S. Government class, he said he knew deep down the type of academic challenge he was looking for. During his first semester on the team Jareck recalls what his first true challenge was. He stated “ I knew I was going to be challenged but I wasn’t expecting to have my ego checked.” While Jareck was well read and had great public speaking skills, we quickly saw is him relying too much on what we call the “Bill Clinton effect” (the p.c. term for b.s ). Jareck goes on to say “ I remember Professor Iwanek calling me out on my “Bill Clinton” approach and telling me that it’s a great skill to have, I just shouldn’t be leading with it. She also told me to checked my ego telling me there’s a difference between having confidence verses having an ego.   In Spring of 2017, Jareck earned another spot on our MUN team, the spot as one fo the Head Delegates on our team and he was selected to represent our team on the Security Council ( this was the first time Collin was given the privilege!) Jareck went on to say “Prof. Iwanek, my team and especially the other Head Delegates knocked the cockiness out of me, teaching me the importance of teamwork and how to work with different personalities” While in Collin’s MUN program Jareck contributed to our Fall 2016 Honourable Mention Delegation for representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo and for our Spring of 2017 team, Jareck was instrumental in leading, supporting and motivating the larger team that represented Liechtenstein earning us a Distinguished Delegation award After graduating from Collin College Jareck went on to attend Stephen F Austin on a ROTC scholarship majoring in History and minoring in Military Science. Jareck was asked about the skills that Model UN taught him and he said “ MUN Improved my technical writing, verbal communication and definitely my leadership skills”. My time at Collin College and especially on the Model UN team inspired me to further my education and it definitely had a profound impact on me obtaining my bachelors.” While at SFA Jareck said that MUN prepared him for “…leadership roles in ROTC - lead my peers overseas and giving me the tools I needed to effectively plan more than 24 events and eventually commissioning as a 2LT (2nd Lieutenant) officer in the Army National Guard.”
 When we asked Jareck why he was talking a gap year he expressed that his reasoning was to continue furthering his military training, gain work experience and he is also in the process of attaining his teacher certification. Jareck went onto say “ there’s often this social stigma about taking a gap year, as if it’s something bad.” He continued to say that whatever his next step is, he needed the time to “get out there,” both make and save money and put in some “boots on the ground work.” Finally he said “I want to take the time to figure out if I want to continue to finishing my MPA, apply a top tier school for my MBA or pursue my passion for teaching. All of these choices are a huge investment and by taking a step back and getting some experience and perspective I know I’ll feel more confident in whatever my next step is.” Jareck, we couldn’t be more proud of who you are and who are you growing into. You remain an amazing role model and we are confident you’ll bring everything you have to whichever path you take. 😊 https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rLx0ogybu/?igshid=2d0djd6oejxg

We apologize for the delay in posting about our 3 former MUN students and sharing with you why they are taking a gap year! In the meantime here are a couple of ADORABLE photos of Kesuk (pronounced Kay-sook) modeling our spring 2017 MUN team sweatshirt. He had over 15 team shirts to choose from and this he felt showed off his personality and figure the best 😎🐾🐾 As you can see he loves fashion, the camera, model UN and the camera!!! #nmun #husky #huskylove https://www.instagram.com/p/B8O6E-dhJq2/?igshid=19p1ay7yzhq7a

Before we highlight our three former Model UN students regarding their gap year journey, I (Professor S. Iwanek) wanted to take the time to share something personal that Rory, Nisa and Jareck did for me. In April of 2017 I underwent major reconstructive jaw surgery, sinus lift and bone grafting (resulting in a 6 hour surgery). The day before my surgery the hospital called me to inform me that I had to pay $5,000 upfront in order to have the surgery. At no point was I told about this...to say I was upset is an understatement! I did manage to negotiate with the hospital to put down $500 but, the rest had to be paid within 3 weeks. What happened next, was (and still is) hands down one of the most profound moments of my life. Rory, Nisa and Jareck decided to create a GoFundMe account to help me out. I actually didn’t know anything about this until after my surgery and it still chokes me up thinking about it. The reached out to all of my former MUN students, friends, faculty and because of their initiative, compassion and commitment I was able to pay the hospital and the additional/surprise medical bills. When friends, fellow faculty and others ask me why I do Model UN, the list of my “Why’s” grows longer and longer each year and Rory, Nisa and Jareck have absolutely contributed to some of my most profound “whys” Since all three of them have graduated from Collin College they have continued to ask for my guidance, asked me to read essays and letter of recommendations and for advice regarding their next steps. I couldn’t be more proud for who they each are and who they are growing into. Ubuntu Rory, Nisa and Jareck - your former Professor , your always mentor and now, your forever friend. Prof Iwanek @marc_muheya3 you are also loved and appreciated and I’m certain your support was in there too... we all know the strong silent and kind human you are! https://www.instagram.com/p/B783dmygNA8/?igshid=ri90inq4ygd4

** The NMUN staff handled and addressed the sexual harassment with care and concern and gave us the choice of how we wanted to handle this. In the spirit of the overall goals of the NMUN conference, we chose to have this turn into a teachable moment for all involved parties and I couldn’t be more proud of the NMUN staff and my students on how they addressed, handled and resolved the issue.

Meet Megan Harris. While she is not a Collin College student she stood up and stood out so we wanted to give her a shout-out! During the opening ceremonies of @nationalmodelun DC she got up to ask the guest speaker a question. She was asked by a moderator to step aside to let the young man behind her to ask a question because they wanted to have “a rooster to have a turn.” In that moment, without skipping a beat, Megan said “With all due respect sir, women have spent a lot time stepping aside for men so I’m going to hold my place in this line.” She received a resounding round of applause and proceeded to ask an exceptional question. Your confidence and diplomatic tone was nothing short of exceptional and our delegation applauds you and proudly stands with you! https://www.instagram.com/p/B4swMMjA2_2/?igshid=6rnouaozgscc

Our Fall 2018 @collincollege Model UN team made the front cover of the background guides for this years #nmundc2019 conference!! Unfortunately in all the excitement the photo is missing two of our delegates so scroll over to see them! https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NfNmfAe68/?igshid=1axxte1bl4pug

We thank Sepehr for his honesty and we want to wish him the best as he continues to pursue a very promising and bright career. Because of students like him, our program continues to provide students with a hands-on learning  experience and an opportunity to pursue what sets their hearts on fire.  Ubuntu Sepehr!