Tell us about your organization:
I’m a part of the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association (PSIADA), which is a club on campus that focuses on international issues. Our primary focus is Model UN: we take delegations to several competitive conferences a semester, as well as run a conference for high schoolers in the fall and one for college students in the spring. In addition to Model UN, we sometimes help host debates and attend speakers and other events around campus related to international affairs!
Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?
I think PSIADA provides a great place for people interested in talking about issues on a broader scale, as well as a wonderful outlet for creative individuals who like to talk about very niche issues. MUN allows people to explore everything from Star Wars to the fall of the Weimar Republic. It also gives our members the opportunity to network with students from a range of universities, who we meet while attending or hosting conferences. We provide a family of engaged individuals who do hope to change the world in some way, and I think that’s really neat!
How did you decide to take on your role as Vice President of Communications?
I ran for the role last semester because I gained so much from the org my freshman year – I grew as an individual and found a family in all the friends I’ve made there. I wanted to be able to give back, and the best way I knew how was to run for a position so I could serve the club!
How does your work with PSIADA give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?
Personally, I’m very interested in international affairs, and I want to get people engaged in the same sort of issues. Through my work with PSIADA’s conferences I can both participate in important conversations and try to get others to discuss pertinent issues in the world. Alongside that, I’m organized and (don’t laugh!) actually enjoy things like sending out emails and coordinating social media, so my position in PSIADA definitely allows me to do that too.
Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?
If I could use one word to describe the members of PSIADA, it’s passionate. I think PSIADA fosters the creativity of passionate people, and encourages them to think outside the box, engage in dialogue with a variety of people, and look for creative solutions to problems. I like to think that our org helps shape people who are willing to work to understand others who are different than they are, and will make the world a better place through their work in a variety of fields.
Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?
Do it! The PSIADA family is one of the most supportive groups I’ve been lucky enough to call myself a part of, and my college experience would not be the same without them. They make Penn State a place I love (I originally didn’t want to come here at all!) and I just wish I could share that feeling with anyone considering joining!
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