As a shy, timid boy with a hidden love for global issues, I shook out of my skin whenever I thought about public speaking. But one day, my history teacher,  Ms. Heller, approached me to join Model UN after seeing my passion for global issues come out in class. After a long internal debate, I decided to give it a shot, unaware that joining Model UN would be one of the most significant firsts in my life. 

Representing Peru at the Institut Montana Zugerberg MUN 2023, I remember the walk leading to the podium as one mixed with shakiness, fright, and excitement. I spoke my first words, “Honorable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,” and then Madam President asked me, “How does the Delegate yield the remainder of their time?” With that, my opening speech had finished. It was my first speech in front of more than a class-sized student body. And the second I returned to my seat, I wanted to go back up again. 9 Model UN conferences, 3 international recognitions, and after chairing the WHO and NATO, from representing the Syrian Arab Republic to Peru, the decision to join MUN now seems like a no-brainer. Model UN has enabled me to speak at multiple conferences, including the Villars Summit 2024 and Youth Forum Switzerland about emerging technologies. 

Speaking with industry professionals across global sectors has challenged me to approach problem solving more systemically, such as by looking at complex problems with many stakeholders in mind. For instance, I previously explored the challenge of patients lacking access to life-saving medical devices by looking at only the patient and the pharmaceutical company. Upon discussions with physicians at the Youth Forum Switzerland, I now understand the complex relationships between governments, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and patients that determine how patients, if at all, access these medical devices. 

Overall, when people compliment how well I speak, I look toward the shy timid Ishan 3 years ago deathly afraid of public speaking. Model UN reminds me of the power of a first step in reaching new heights that were once covered by my own limitations. I hope to continue being a risk-taker.