Elizabeth Vaz and the United Nations Pilgrimmage

Recently, I was given the opportunity to go on the trip of a lifetime, after entering a speech competition through the Model UN Club. The speech I had written and presented for the Oddfellows Vancouver lodge qualified me for the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth: a two week educational trip along the east coast of the United States and Canada, which brings high school students together from around the world to study and learn about the UN. For young adults, like myself, interested in world affairs, international relations, economics and political sciences, this was a unique experience that allowed me to exchange views and opinions with like minded youth.

During the trip, I was required to compete in a speech competition while in New York City with other delegates from regions all over North America, and some parts of Europe. I’m extremely grateful to the Oddfellows Lodge No. 90 for sending me on this amazing trip. I met so many like-minded individuals and learned so much about the United Nations system and global affairs.

At first, I was nervous about meeting my fellow delegates, and a bit scared because I had never spent an entire two weeks so far away from home. I arrived at the airport and boarded the plane with the two other delegates from BC, who, as I later learnt, were as nervous as I was. When we landed in Ottawa, we were greeted by the Oddfellows Ottawa representative, who drove us to our hotel, where we met up with the rest of the 30 delegates. The first night, we bonded over a game of cards in the hotel lobby. After that, we became a lot closer and things started to flow a lot easier. From then on we hopped from hotel to hotel on our coach bus, changing roommates each time, so that we could get to know everyone. There was always enough time to get to know each other better during the 8 hour long bus rides between cities. Everywhere we went, we were hosted by various Oddfellows and Rebekah lodges. Everyone we met was so hospitable and generous with their time and resources, and we always felt welcomed.

The first couple of days, we spent in Ottawa, where we toured the Parliament buildings and learnt a great deal about the Canadian government and the history of Canada. Philadelphia was also extremely history rich, as we learned about the beginnings of the United States as an independant nation, and explored the city. There we visited the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Benjamin Franklin’s tomb. Personally, the highlight of my trip was New York. Though, I had already been there the year prior on a school trip, this was a completely new experience, and it felt great to see the city again. A few of the sights we saw were the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, and Ellis Island. After New York, we drove to Washington DC where we explored the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian Museums. 

The main purpose of our trip was the visit to the UN buildings and the speech competition, which was held at the Affinia Hotel in New York City. During our time at the United Nations Headquarters, we received the official UN tour by a UN representative. There were two presentations made by United Nations staff and volunteers, one on Humanitarian Aid and another explaining the important role of UNICEF in the UN. The presentations were meant to guide us while writing our speech for the competition a few days later. The topic for the three minute speech was the “Sustainable Development Goals” and how they could be achieved in our communities. All the speeches I heard were extremely inspiring. I really believed that some of the ideas that the delegates presented should be implemented by the UN, as they were so new and innovative. I am proud to say that one of our fellow Canadian delegates, a girl from BC’s interior took the first prize with her inspiring speech about the importance of environmental sustainability.

Reflecting on my experiences, I realize how blessed I am to have been chosen to go on this exciting journey. Not only was it an educational experience, but I’ve made friends for life, with people I would have never met if it had not been for this trip. Encountering the other delegates also broadened my horizons, because I was able to meet youth who shared my opinions on global issues, and also offered new solutions. It was a little daunting having to leave the security of Vancouver by myself, but I learned about the importance and the joys of independent travel and definitely gained more confidence, along with a few new skills. Finally, visiting the United Nations and hearing the speeches about the issues that plague our world today helped me realize how much the world needs to change. We have come so far as a society, however, the state of global affairs is far from perfect, and we have got so much farther to go to achieve our goals of international peace and stability. Hearing everyone’s inspiring ideas and opinions on what we can accomplish, served as a reminder that today’s youth are integral to the growth and success of mankind on this planet. Besides memories that will last a lifetime, this trip also inspired me to take action and be the change. Who else better to incite change than the youth whom the future belongs to?

I would like finally like to thank the Independent Order of the Oddfellows for organizing this amazing journey, specifically Vancouver’s Oddfellow Lodge No. 90 for sponsoring my trip. I am also appreciative of the opportunity given to me to compete, by Mrs. Mills and LFA’s Model UN Club.