Word Affairs Seminar 2013

Seminar participants gain a better understanding of complex international issues,  practice leadership skills, develop communication skills and make new friends from across the country.  Additionally, while at Auburn University, World Affairs Seminar participants attend lectures by faculty on international issues and get to experience campus life firsthand while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities.

Our club is pleased to be able to sponsor a local high school student allowing them to attend this camp.  This past July we sponsored Kellyanne Hurst to attend.  Recently, Kellyanne addressed our club regarding her experiences.  These are her remarks:

I would like to thank the Plant City Noon Rotary Club for the opportunity to attend the World Affairs Youth Seminar at Auburn University.  I had the privilege to represent the Pant City Rotary as the delegate for Pakistan in this week long Model United Nations (MUN) summit.  The issues we addressed encompassed the Syrian conflict and the water crisis in the world including accessibility and cleanliness of water.

As MUN delegates, we had to work together to form resolutions, taking each of the countries' points of views and determining resolutions that everyone would be happy with and agree to - without altering the stance of our particular country.  We learned the process of negotiation and parliamentary procedures, along with debating tactics and public speaking. We built upon our civic responsibilities and were exposed to the difficulties faced when ethics and values are in conflict.  The real world application of this seminar resulted in some conflict among delegates, back room deals, commitments that weren't kept and general frustration.

This was probably the greatest learning opportunity for all of the delegates, including myself. We had to determine who to trust, whom to form alliances with, and whom to support.  Understanding these dynamics will help me to be a better leader and team player as I finish high school and in my college career.  At the end of the week, I was awarded a certificate of achievement for "Best Representative of a Difficult Country"

In addition to the academic experience, I was able to meet 29 students from throughout the United States, France and Japan. Throughout the week, we enjoyed getting to know one another, touring the campus, sharing meals, and watching movies. We were also able to embrace the tradition of getting blue ink on our feet from touching the bottom of the 16.5 ft deep Auburn pool. By the end of the week we formed close relationships and I made some life long friends.

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I would encourage you to continue to support the World Affairs Seminar and send Plant City students each year!