Experiencing Stanford

For the 30 senior LFA students, the conference could be seen as a foreshadowing of the necessary application and effort required to do well at a university of such stature. All students learnt many things - how to negotiate with others, how to speak on one’s feet, how to be assertive and how many factors affect decision making on all of the many complex world issues that face the world today. Some of the very interesting and important issues debated were climate change and the lack of water resources, the crises in Syria and in the Ukraine, the empowerment of women in South Africa, the destruction of museums and UNESCO heritage sites in the world, the illicit sale of arms and alternate forms of energy. Special congratulations to the following award winners:

These 4 delegates were students who were constantly involved in debate and contributing from the first session to the last and they had researched their topics very well making them prepared for many scenarios and shifts in argument. They also exhibited great confidence, poise and diplomatic finesse when presenting their points individually and collaboratively. Way to go Model UN Angels! You represented LFA so well! An award at a Stanford Model UN conference is not easily achieved and so their acknowledgements at this conference were truly impressive!

Fortunately, we were able to have a few days sightseeing in the San Francisco area. The Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, Muir Woods and the coastal road to Monterey and Carmel did not disappoint.

Thank you to all students on this trip. You were an excellent group - so punctual, co- operative,  responsible and amiable! It was really lovely to witness the fun that comes with friends coming together for the common goal of debating world issues but to also witness the many great social times enjoyed as we ventured to a new spot and new conference.

Mrs. Julie Mills