Jacob Bulbul, a junior at the American School of Doha, has moved from delegate, to chair, back to delegate at this year’s THIMUN Qatar. He shares his story.
After THIMUN 2015, I had completed my third year of MUN and could not be more proud, and it was because I had done something different than the usual individual’s path through MUN. During my third year of MUN, I returned to being a delegate. After chairing twice in my second year, I missed debate a lot. Every second I was chairing, I felt myself on the edge of my seat, dying to jump into the debate. Both times I chaired I ended up representing the delegate of Antarctica in the last few minutes of debate because I felt at home on the podium, discussing and making a difference.
To analyze the experience, I must begin at my first year of MUN. After two conferences of debate, I finally became comfortable with the format; I used the word “reso” instead of resolution and knew about weird things like a moderated caucus. I felt proud of my debate achievements and broadened scope on world issues, but I was primarily excited about moving forward in MUN.
The next year, I chaired twice. I loved the leadership role I had to fill, and the way I could facilitate and manipulate debate to get the best out of my committee. People looked up to me because I respected them and they respected me, it was a good relationship. That was the most beautiful thing about chairing for me, but my love for debate allowed me to make the conclusion that I should try being a delegate again and what I can conclude from this year is interesting. My two years in MUN allowed me to draft connections and friendships with delegates, of which I could work with this time instead of chair for. It is a great experience for anyone who loves MUN, and I highly recommend it.
Being a delegate is an exceptional experience, it’s special and you can definitely notice it. The diversity of MUN is beautiful; there is so much to gain in so many different ways. As a chair, you learn how to lead, control, and aid in the development of others. As a delegate, you walk away with an improvement in speech, an increase in knowledge, and a newfound confidence. All of such, of course, with your new found friend by your side as you congratulate each other on your successful “reso”. I am glad I was able to utilize both aspects of MUN throughout my career, and look forward to the next step. I urge all of you to take every opportunity that presents itself. You will not regret it.