Delegate in Focus: Jez Amorado

Welcome to the first Delegate in Focus article!

I’ll be featuring individuals who found success in Model UN. It’s a way for us to recognize their achievements in this area and to learn from them as well. My first Delegate in Focus is a dear friend of mine – Jez Amorado.

Jez has won several awards during her college years. She participated in the NMUN-NY 2010 Conference. She also continues to work with me as a Senior Coach in some of my Model UN Projects.

With Amb. Del Rosario in the Diplomatic Dinner. (Wearing a modernized Filipiniana in the colors of the Russian Flag)

VPN: You signed up for the 2009 MUN Program, what made you join?

JHA: As funny as it may seem my first reason for joining the 2009 MUN Program was because of the travel opportunity, but in the end my reason for joining changed. Traveling became a bonus. What was more compelling was the fact that I would compete with the best of the best from some of the well known Universities worldwide as well as use the lessons that I learned in college. I also wanted to experience first hand what it would feel like being an Ambassador for a country even though it is just for a short while and just a simulation.

VPN: How has Model UN helped you during your stay in college?

JHA: Being a Consular and Diplomatic Affairs Student, the Model UN greatly influenced my life seeing that it was a requirement; but more than that the things I learned on the floor were directly applied to my classes and made it easier for me to comprehend and appreciate my course further. Both my written and oral English has improved as well.

VPN: Can you tell us a little something about your experiences in NMUN-NY?

JHA: My experiences as a delegate in the NMUN-NY cannot be compared to any of the other MUN Conferences I’ve attended so far. Taking part in this event made me realize that the Model UN is not limited to students of International Relations. It is in fact a true representation of the UN’s acceptance of equality and diversity in every possible situation. I competed with people from all walks of life- doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc. The level of seriousness that the Delegates took towards the competition was incredibly fierce and intimidating. It was a worthwhile experience. During the Final Day of the Conference, I got the opportunity to sit in the actual General Assembly. It was there that I had the revelation that I was in fact in the right place and that I would do anything to fulfill that dream.

NMUN-NY 2010 General Assembly

VPN: So I’ve been working with you for the past 3-4 years, how’s that like? Don’t be mean.

JHA: To sum it up I would say that it was very INTERESTING. Why? Well, probably because Vince utilized somewhat unconventional approaches, which in the end were really beneficial for all of us. Imagine yourself speaking at the top of your voice while standing on a chair in the far side of the room. What about pretending to be a News Reporter reporting on a fictional crisis happening in the training room? Sounds funny? But I did all of those things and it was the best type of training I could have had. It taught me to be quick on my toes and be creative with my actions. Vince’s unconventional ways is something that really was both beneficial as well as something that would keep a person interested with the Model UN. I know I was!

Debate Training under Vince Naval for the NMUN-NY 2010

VPN: Thanks for that? Interesting? Not great? LOL Anyway, can you explain Model UN in two sentences?

JHA: Model UN if approached properly by any person would be perceived as more than an annual event, it would be the biggest arena where people of various backgrounds would converge and truly be the test of personal talent, knowledge and skill for any student of International Relations. It is an event where you would be treated equally no matter who you are or where you came from.

VPN: Favorite Country? Why?

JHA: My favorite country would have to be Russia. I know it may seem weird for a person to like a country that seems controversial for its actions in the past but that is what I actually love about it. Russia is a country that is not afraid to set itself apart from all the other countries that have been so obsessed with the “American way”. Not that the other countries are not good but Russia would have to be my favorite country out of the three years of being a Delegate.

Delegate of Russia Presenting their groups resolution to the assembly. 12th CSB MUN

VPN: This is your 3rd year working with Veritas Model UN (VMUN), tell us about your experience as an organizer and coach.

JHA: Being an Organizer and Coach comes with its share of hardships and triumphs. The biggest hardship would probably be the continuous pressure of ensuring that the VMUN brand is consistent and properly known by interested parties. There are days that you just want to give up because things seem bleak but all of that is erased once you see the progress in the kids. I’ve looked forward to the days that I see a red notification on my Facebook page containing questions from delegates concerning VMUN. It is the kind of reminder that makes me reflect on why I chose this type of path in my life. This type of work is really my passion and I would continuously do this as long as any Delegate needs my help. More importantly, I would stay on this path because I am doing it with a great friend who shares the same passion as I do. A friend who has helped me become a better person in the brief period that I have known him.

VPN: Any last words?

JHA: Thank you to all of our VMUN Supporters and Thank you Mr. Vince Naval for keeping this passion alive!

Coach Jez teaching the kids of Vertias School in VMUN 2010

That was an interesting first interview. In my defense, I try to use more “conventional ways” now especially when I teach the High School level.  Thank you Jez for re-inspiring me and letting people know that Model UN really helps people.

I’ll be posting my next Delegate In Focus soon

Happy reading!

Jez with Vince Naval (2009 Chairperson ECOSOC CSB MUN)

Vince Naval

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