We can change the world. And we can do it together.

The YMCA Model United Nations (MUN) conference has not only taught me about the United Nations and how to debate, but it has given me friendships that will last a lifetime, taught me invaluable leadership skills, and opened up a clear goal for the future.  As a freshman, who had never attended MUN, I didn't understand why people were counting down the days, hours, and seconds until the bus would take them to Hershey.  I soon found out why. During my first conference, I was taken under the wing by some of the most amazing people. They taught me about parliamentary procedure and the "ins and outs" of MUN. Most importantly, what they allowed me to take away from the conference is that we can change the world and we are going to do it together. When I came home from that conference I was driven, making any change I could in my town and dreaming about how I would impact the world when I was older. I found myself counting down the days, hours and seconds until the bus would take me back to conference to see my MUN family.

The conference has never failed to inspire me.  The officers bring in speakers that make what you are debating real, so, it doesn't feel as if you're just pretending to fix world issues and with the service projects you are fixing real world issues.  My time has come to take up the position as chair and take delegates under my wing as my friends had once done for me. The leadership I am gaining from this will set me off on a path to success, but really all I have learned here is to what my success will be owed.

Kellie Bancalari is a Junior at North Hunterdon High School.  She is in her 3rd year of participating in YMCA Model UN and Youth & Government.  Kellie is a delegate with the Hunterdon County YMCA.  Contact Len Yacullo, Hunterdon County YMCA for more information.

Read more on nj.com:  North Hunterdon High School Students Excel During YMCA Model United Nations Weekend