Journal 9.2 : A step forward...

Today, my instructor extended the horizon further and made me stretch a little bit more in every posture of the surya namaskaram. He then taught me different postures that have benefits of their own. One of them enhances vision, one improves concentration and focus and the other maintains a healthy spine. Surprisingly, I seem to be more flexible that I expected to be. Even my instructor applauded and appreciated me every time I got an asana right.

Duration : 1 hour

Journal 13.4

The final day! We started making lemonade and oreo milk shake in large quantities since we needed it for the entire day. Setting up the stall happened quickly because we'd been doing that for the past few days again and again. Practice definitely makes you perfect. We then assigned roles for all the members of the team to avoid chaos. Customers began coming to the stall earlier than yesterday. It became so busy that our feet didn't even touch the floor. We were exhausted and we began yelling at each other at one point. But we managed to keep the stress down and tried our best to stay calm there after. We were more organized this time because we already have experience in this field. However, team work was injured a few times. We faced a few problems this time since some people had to leave early. So re-assigning roles was pretty difficult. Also, keeping track of the cash was a little challenging. In spite of all these small issues, the experience we gained at the end of the day was one of a kind.

Duration : 10 hours

Journal 13.3

Today, we made oreo treats and lemonade in the morning. We first took out the cream from all the oreo biscuits mixed it together. We crushed the oreo biscuits into powder. We then cut granola bars into tiny squares, which we spread the oreo cream on. Finally, we sprinkled the crushed oreos on top of it. We had a few of our friends and teachers taste it. Fortunately, they liked it a lot. We also made cracker treats by garnishing salk crackers with grated cheese, ketchup and chilli flakes. We made 7 medium sized plates of theses treats. Later, few of us squeezed the lemons and extracted the juice, which we mixed with water and sugar to make lemonade.

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 13.2

We finalized our menu today for all 3 days. Popcorn, Lays, Lemonade, Pepsi, Oreo treats and Coke float will be our items for day 1.Few more desserts and sandwiches will be added to our menu on the next two days as we're expecting more audience then. We had to made frequent trips to the kitchen to ask them which items and materials they can provide. They promised to provide lays packets, cool drink cans, ice cream, popcorn, cups and napkins. The team members who made the billing software explained the billing process to the people who will attend the counters. We began our stall and had a pretty good sales today. Almost everybody liked the coke float.

Duration : 2 hours

Journal 11.3 : Writing my position paper

Writing a position paper is extremely important in HMUN. It will tell the committee about your delegation and what stance it takes. The position paper consists of 3 parts. The first part talks about the main issues. The second part talks about you country's national policies and your political stance. The last part talks about previous resolutions and the resolutions your country would like to see in the final resolution. I researched a little bit more and then started writing my position paper. Here it is,

POSITION PAPER

Committee: Economic and Social Council & Regional Bodies 

Topic: Antarctic Treaty Secretariat

Country: Bulgaria

School: The Indian Public School

A. The uniqueness and natural wild beauty of Antarctica is obliged to be preserved, obeying the Antarctic treaty ever since the beginning of it in 1959. However, this blessed continent is being deprived of its rich resources and biodiversity, and hence inclining towards diminishing isolation.

The Antarctic Treaty was ratified during the Cold war, after which entered seven claimant countries who made permanent territorial claims. There were various research teams that ignited the importance of this southern most continent after strenuous competitive expeditions that still hold significance in history. Perhaps ownership issues were once resolved by signing the Antarctic Treaty. However , many countries are now silently maneuvering to make land ownership mainly in King George Island, the only ice-free region. Subsequently, some of the bases seem more of land settlements rather than research stations.ⁱ Also, illegal and unregulated fishing has lead to an unbalance in the entire southern ocean ecosystem. These issues could go against the articles of the treaty and would make the destruction of the world's last great wilderness stand a victim of human activities. Keeping in mind that the treaty is coming to an end, these issues should be resolved at the soonest to save the existence of such a continent.

B. Bulgaria had become a consultative party in 1998 after signing the treaty in 1978. Being a full rights member, Bulgaria shows interest in developing scientific research and thereby strengthening the Antarctic treaty.

It has shown great commitment in biodiversity and tourism management. Minimizing the cumulative footprint of human activities takes high priority in Bulgaria's vision. Bulgaria has also involved in strengthening the climate change component of polar research to promote an evidence based policy. Taking these forward, Bulgaria hopes to address climate change, resource deficiency, and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies under international cooperation.ⁱⁱ

C. As a nation, Bulgaria would support the following decisions in the resolution :

The resolution written shall support all scientific research programs in the interest for future generations and for sustainable development on earth. Focus on the the field of science is extremely important in order to preserve the ecosystem of the southern ocean regulate climatic changes. Ozone depletion, being the pressing issue today in the Arctic will lead to disastrous effects if it is not taken care of. PSCs, polar stratospheric clouds, which form instantly in the extreme cold of the Antarctic region, play a major role in enhancing the ozone depletion. An overall cooling trend due to this, has masked warm temperatures. Considering this issue, it is not only the ozone depletion that causes threat but also increased tourism which stands the prime cause. Thus this factor must be sought to at hand as well.ⁱⁱⁱ

Recognizing existing territorial claims and also issuing new ones for additional countries will help resolve the issue sooner as more countries can participate in . Fishing rights must be given only to countries that seek expansion of scientific interest. The region must solely be used for scientific research into environment and protection of ecosystems.

Bulgaria believes that all signatories must contribute in unity to preserve this significant region of earth, despite their differences in governance, politics and religious traditions since they posses developed economies, industry and science. Bulgaria will continue to be a loyal partner in all scientific programs and will strive to achieve international cooperation for the future of Antarctica.

i https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_depletion

ii President's speech

iii https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_depletion

Reflection

Being a delegate was definitely an exhilarating experience. However, training new students was something new. I enjoyed sharing my experience with first time MUNers. Giving them tips every now and then was fun to do. I also saw the old me in each one of them, when they struggled to understand the rules of procedure and the essence of the agenda. Explaining the outline of the procedure helped me understand it better too. Thought I didn't participate in the conference this time, I actually felt like I was, because of these training sessions. This experience has made me a thinker and an open minded person. I made sure not to hesitate to tell my team mates when they made mistakes, and helped them as much as I could. Having model sessions also gave me the opportunity to experience the role of a chairperson. Saying things like 'Thank you delegate', ' You have the floor' and ' This motion clearly passes' gave me a special kind of excitement, that I have never felt before. Taking all of them through a short journey of learning definitely improved my patience and tolerance. It was quite a challenge to make them finish work on time, as they paced out their work sometimes. It was difficult to resist showing anger at them and to be polite even when they wouldn't listen to me. However, that only happened once. They were very cooperative through out this journey. In fact, I learned a lot of things from them. Their methods of research were more efficient than the ones I followed last time. I was inspired by their enthusiasm, being just beginners.

Planning time lines keeping things organized in this activity developed my skill set as well. I am looking forward to work with another team and train them too.

Journal 12.3

I chaired another model session today for all my team members. Also, all the heads performed a model session for all the new MUNers. We showed them a sample resolution and answered all their questions as well. Some of my team mates didn't know how to go about with the research process. So I helped them with that and sent them website links to refer to, to understand country policies and status in social media.

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 12.2

Most of my team mates weren't still clear with the rules of procedure. So I gave them another explanation. I also prepared a short guide including the format of speech in moderated caucuses and in raising motions or points. We also had a model session which I chaired, so that they could experience an actual committee ambiance. I sent them more emails and gave them a lot of tips on how to present themselves in debates and in unmoderated caucuses. They were a little confused even after model sessions. However, they were thorough with the formal rules of procedure and the main agenda : Social media.

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 12.1

A step further into IIMUN, the training! This time, I am not participating. But I'm training my juniors and my friends who are going to their first MUN. I am training the students of the UNHRC ( United Nations Human Rights Council) based on their agenda : Rights in social media. Today, I gave them a brief introduction on the rules of procedure and also sent them emails regarding key points to remember while talking in the conference. Here is part of the thread :

Hello guys,

First of all, don't freak out. I know this email might be big. But trust me, it might help you understand things better. This mail is inform all of you about the opening speech. The opening speech is a formal speech that will be given at the beginning of the first committee session, and maybe a few times after that in the following committee sessions in the second day as well. The committee becomes more successful if the general speakers list happen on the second day as well. This is because the time given in the general speakers list helps you convey what you want to say after a moderated caucus or after any other intense debate that has just taken place. To be more specific, the first general speakers list will be the time in which you convey an opening speech. In the following general speakers lists, which will most likely be raised after a few moderated caucuses. Hence you can put forward your opinion in response to the caucus that has happened. Now, you may ask me why you cant put forward your response in the moderated caucus itself. Well that is because the time given for the moderated caucus may be only 10 minutes for which you may not be given a chance or enough time to speak for, or when only less than 2/3 of the committee has voted for the moderated caucus. The main difference between the moderated caucus and the general speakers list is that you can say anything in relation to the main issue in the general speakers list but you can only put forward your country's opinion in relation to a specific topic in the moderated caucus. Remember, both moderated caucus and general speakers list happen in a very formal manner. In the next email, i will tell you guys how to make your speeches formal enough. Again guys, don't stress out or worry too much. Although it seems complicated now, it will all go with a smooth flow in the dais as you see every other delegate talk.

Opening speech - formatMake sure all these points are written from your country's point of view:

1. Main elements of the issue

2. Causes of the issue

3. Political stand of your country (Include national policies)

4. Reference to past resolutions

5. Resolution that your country would like

Just for further help, i have attached my opening speech that i had prepared for my previous IIMUN. I was in the Special President's committee. The issue there was the kodaikanal mercury poisoning that led to the death of many people due to the inappropriate leakage of mercury from Unilever's factory. I was on the side of the government (against Unilever)

Good luck!

Regards,

Swathi

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 11.2 : More research...

Today, I did more research after studying the background guide again. I skimmed through the reports of  Antarctic Treaty Committee Meetings (ATCM) that happened in Bulgaria. That gave me a better understanding of what Bulgaria wants to do to solve this issue.I also read articles regarding the isolation of Antarctica and read speeches given by the president of Bulgaria in meetings. I tried looking for answers to the questions given in the guide as well.

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 11.1 : Back to MUNing!

I am going to my second MUN, hosted by the Harvard University (HMUN) next month. This time, I have been designated the delegation of Bulgaria in the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat committee of the Economic and Social council & Regional bodies. Today, I read through the background study guide provided by their organization and understood the nuance of the issue and why it holds great significance in this world. The main issue that shall be discussed in this committee is the diminishing isolation of Antarctica that had been a result of increased tourism activities and consequently harm to the natural wilderness of the region. It's high time that we discuss this issue now as the Antarctic treaty is coming to an end. As far as I have researched till now, I find this issue very interesting. I hope to come with more ideas for the committee session. Before that, I would have to start working on my position paper, which is a single page document that explains your stance and political position in the committee.

Duration : 3 hours

Journal 13.1

We the DP year 1 students are going to organize the inter school soccer challenge for 3 days from the 28^th of july. The sports coordinator talked to all of us in a meeting after lunch today and explained how the organization should take place and what roles each person could choose from. The roles included reception work, first aid, food stall, editorial team, commentary, score board work and a few others. My friends and I chose to put up the food stall. We thought it would be easier as we have experience in this field.

Duration : 2 hours

Journal 5.4 : Taking extra care

Despite the fact that we watered them regularly, some of the plants like tulsi, and the peace lily showed poor growth. We then tried putting them back in the teachers' cabins where the temperature is not to cold and there no direct sunlight. The peace lily, fortunately, came back to form while tulsi is taking some time to come back to shape. The teachers were excited and pleased to have a plant in their cabin. They promised to take good care of them everyday. We will visit them once a week to add fertilizers and trim the plants in order to keep them in good health.

Duration : 2 hours 

Reflection 10 : First note!

Music is inevitably an important part of life. It makes you discover yourself and also pushes away all other tangled thoughts in mind. My friends and I teamed up to form a CAS band at school. The sole purpose of this activity was to improve our coordination skills and also carry forward our passion.  We've practiced in small time slots for a week, and will continue again if we get a chance to participate in an upcoming program at school. Few of us were singers and the others played the instruments like the guitar, keyboard and the drums.  Many songs came down in our list during the our practice sessions as all of us pitched in alternatively. We planned to do only 3 different activities due to the time constrain, the English songs medley, Regional songs medley and one grand English song completely. We spent a lot of time on listening to the listed songs repeatedly to ensure that they were appropriate to be sung at school in front of a huge crowd, and that they were in a tone which was comfortable for all the singers to sing in.

Here is an sample of our list (for the English medley) :

1. Home we will go
2. 7 years
3. Grenade
4. Crossfire – (ending)
5. One call away
6. Cooler than me
7. Cake by the ocean
8. See you again
   
   Similarly, we made a list for the regional medley and also narrowed down to a grand English song which we practiced fully. Beyond the music, something beautiful was that we got to know each other really well and we began singing together in perfect coordination!
   Duration : 2 hours 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Journal 9.1 : Something new!

Yoga, just as calm as it sounds, is a form of spiritual practice that brings peace within you. I learned yoga when i was in third grade for a few months, but lost touch after that. Now, I'm back on track! I've begun learning it all over again, from an instructor who comes home in the morning everyday. Today was my first class. I realized how close yet far I was from the essence of this kind of practice. Every time I performed a posture, the squeeze and stretch of the muscles caused soothing pain. My instructor, Mr. Shankar handles lessons very lightly and not in a rigorous manner. He manages to keep us engaged through out the class by talking to us and educating us about the benefits of performing each posture. Today we learned the most essential part of yoga, surya namaskaram which is a sequence of different postures. Surya namaskaram has to be done before doing all the other postures everyday. Towards the end of the class, we did the deep relaxation exercise and then just stayed still for 10 minutes for the relaxation of the mind. After class, I could actually feel the positive energy run down me from head to toe.

Duration : 1 hour

Journal 5.3 : Tiny slip...

Today, we assigned one plant for each of us to take care of. I took in charge of the spider plant. Also, I will research on how to take care of each one of the plants and help my friends learn as well.
We watered the plants regularly till date. But much to our surprise, most of the plants were dried out and looked like they were going to wilt in no time. We then realized that it was all because of the air conditioner in the room, and due to the lack of soil. The mother soil of most of the plants was different from the soil that we had at school. So one of our team mates arranged for a drop of the required soil today afternoon, at school. Carrying that big sack of soil all the way upstairs from the reception was quite a challenge. Using a shovel, we then transferred the soil to the pots, and also removed the moss that had grown on the surface over just a few days. We also removed the dried leaves and rocks in the soil. Lastly, we watered them before keeping them next to direct sunlight on the bridge.

Duration : 2 hours 

Journal 5.2 : Part 2!

We stepped into the second stage of our activity, buying the saplings and planting them at the teachers' cabins at school. We kept them watered and then put them into pots made up of coconut waste which don't cause water leakage. Transferring the saplings from their covers to pots were pretty hard though. Every Friday, we will spray the fertilizer and water the plants, each one on of us are assigned to take care of. The plants we installed :

Tulsi

Aloe vera 

Boston fern 

Spider plant

Snake plant

Monstera 

Asparagus

Ivy plant

Peace lily 

Adiantum 

Duration : 1 hour