Important CAS Activities

Creativity: My most significant creative experience was the organization and management of RIS's annual conference, RISMUN. During RISMUN X, I was the Co-Secretary General of the conference, and was responsible for determining topics, committees, delegate allocations, chair positions, etc. We had to meticulously plan out every aspect of the conference, from the optimal way to schedule breaks between debate for more than a hundred people to finding a way to get great food for cheap. This was personally a very important part of the conference for me; I've been in MUN for more than six years and always thought a pizza party would be a perfect way to end a conference, but past executives never thought it would be feasible. However, we finally managed to do it to tremendous success; the lunch was both the cheapest and the most liked we've had in RISMUN history. It was this idea of innovation and building upon a long standing tradition that I enjoyed, and I was glad to be able to put all my experience to useful work with RISMUN.

Action: My favorite action activity was participating in the BISAC and SEASAC tournaments for Varsity softball. I've played softball for 5 years, and being on the varsity dream has been a long-standing dream of mine. This year, I was finally able to make the team, and had the opportunity to finally play the sport at a high level; for once I wasn't frustrated with the basic errors that my teammate made, but instead in constant admiration at the tremendous level of skill present in our team. I also had the opportunity to participate in two leagues this year, including the international, multi-day SEASAC conference. I feel that RIS put up great showings at both, and I feel very glad to have been part of such an incredible experience. Varsity softball was the culmination of the years of work and practice I put into developing a new skill, and I look forward to further improving this year.

Service: As a member of Eco Merits, I had the opportunity to visit and work in an elephant sanctuary for a three day trip. This was the greatest amount of service work I've done in a single activity, and it was by far my favorite. We learned a lot about the cruel treatment of elephants as tourist attractions in Thailand, and spent a couple of days feeding them, bathing them, and preparing their food. We even spent a few hours cleaning up their enclosures with wagons and shovels. Despite the back-breaking nature of the work, I have never felt as rewarded for what I've done, and I was proud to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to my community. The Elephant Sanctuary trip was my greatest service inspiration, and has made me excited to explore more service opportunities in the upcoming year.

Long-Term: Throughout my many years at RIS, Model United Nations has probably been the most significant activity I have taken part in (just edging out softball). My brother was extremely active in MUN too, and he first suggested that I try it out in 6th grade, 6 years ago. I got into MUN very quickly from that point, and broke the record for the highest amount of conferences attended in RIS history. I've gone all over Thailand and overseas during my time in MUN, and grown significantly, from a minor delegate in small committees to a represent of the nuclear powers and P5 nations in Security Council. I've also had the opportunity to serve as an ambassador, judge of the International Court of Justice, and chair of a committee on multiple occasions. MUN has remained my favorite academic activity, and I am grateful for what it has done to broaden my understanding of global issues as well as improve my ability to speak in public and debate. I've made countless friends through attending different schools around the country, and still stay in touch with them today. After a year as Vice-President, I currently serve as the President of my school's MUN club, and plan on attending MUN conferences in college as well.