Mr. gibson's Interview with Delegate Ashley Powdar

Name: Ashley Powdar
University: Pace University (New York City)
Nationality: American
Age: 21
Major: Modern Languages/Political Science

Mr. Gibson: How long have you been interested in Model United Nations?
Ashley Powdar: I have been interested in Model United Nations ever since my senior year of high school. I received a scholarship from my rotary club that allowed me to study abroad in Spain. The experience of studying abroad and meeting people from a different place with different views made me want to get involved with Model UN and diplomacy. I chose Pace University specifically because they had a strong International Diplomacy program and MUN Club.

Mr. Gibson: What do you do in Model UN Club in university?
Ashley Powdar: We focus first on our country profile. For that we use CIA World Factbook, BBC Timeline, and any other sort of reference. Then, we get into research and position papers. We use the UN Charter, UN documents, Intergovernmental Panel reports, past resolutions, and quotes from world leaders. Other than that, we have instructors who prepare us for conferences.

Mr. Gibson: Do you know all the procedures and formal vocabulary?
Ashley Powdar: Not exactly. We do use “cheat sheets.” It’s allowed at conference, but after a while you get used to it. We have a cheat sheet for motions, and one for rules and procedures.

Mr. Gibson: Do you have any advice for our students?
Ashley Powdar: Yes. Make all of your speeches short and sweet. Many times, delegates talk for too long and get cut off by the chair.

In conference, you won’t know everything about your topic, but if you’re confident, people will follow you.

Use simple language in your speeches. Use more technical language in unmoderated caucus. Save your complicated and language for the resolutions. This is especially important for ESL students. Many times I’ve noticed that ESL students try to make up for their lower level of English by trying to use big words that often times don’t make any sense.

Always be diplomatic and professional

As for building arguments, try this technique that our professors teach us.

1.) have a fact based upon your research
2.) build off that fact to make a larger point about the problem
3.) propose a solution
4.) end with a quote

Mr. Gibson: Future Goals
Ashley Powdar: I want to work in the State Department of the United States as an ambassador or diplomat.

Mr. Gibson: Has there been any one person or event that inspired you?
Ashley Powdar: There hasn’t been one person, mentor or teacher. It was mainly because of my experience living abroad.