KYMUN 2013 Live, Love, Matter

June 7th, Friday, carrying my bag, laptop and books, I took plane to Jeju. Last time I went to Jeju, I was with my mom, dad and brother excited at family trip. However, this time, I landed at Jeju with 9 other friends, feeling nervous and worried. KYMUN, Korean Youth Model United Nations was waiting for me.

KYMUN was my first MUN conference, unlike my friends who have already participated in MUN at least once. There were 5 committes, General Assembly, Security Council, UN Environmental Programmes, UN Development Programmes, and ECOSOC. Kim Kyung-min B, Kim Seung Hye, Ryu Hyun Seung were in GA, Jung Sehee, Shim Kyubo were in SC, Jung Yunseo, Hwang Inkyu, Kim Hosung were in ECOSOC. I and Kim Minkyom were in UNEP. I was the delegate of Japan, and stood on the podium dealing the agenda, "Strengthening international cooperation in preventing over-exploitation of natural resources". I couldn't sleep much because I had to prepare for KYMUN. Min-Kyom and I brainstormed with other delegates, and it resulted in one resolution which was approved at last. It was a hard time for me since KYMUN took place on June 7th, 8th and 9th, which meant I also had to write GANSE PAPER at the same time. It was a total mental destruction. However, I think I earned some precious things by joining KYMUN.

1. FRIENDS
In Jeju, I met many students from different schools. HAFS, Branksome Hall Asia, KIS, NLCS, Younghoon int'l middle schoool, etc. All of the delegates I met were kind, hardworking and so engaged in KYMUN. Even though I left Jeju on June 10th morning, I'm still glad that I can keep in touch with them through facebook. Also, I could get closer with KMLA students who joined KYMUN together, especially Kim Kyungmin, Kim Hosung, Kim Minkyom, and four girls.


KMLA in Jeju, KYMUN 2013

 2. EXPERIENCE
As I mentioned above, KYMUN was my first MUN conference. That was why I felt so nervous. But I got 2nd prize, the outstanding delegate! Not that I'd like to mention that what I've earned was prize. Despite it being the first experience, nothing bad would happen, and what you would get are valuable people and experience. This is what I felt. So far, I tended to avoid what I've never dealt with. My mom used to give advice to me that I should be more adventurous, challenging, and seeking new things. But I refused to try new things. Now it turns out that KYMUN is another empirical reason that I should be brave at challenging. KYMUN was definitely a valuable experience.



I am speaking on the podium!

3. REST
Yes, this might sound awkward considering this is just a short-term benefit, and I had to write THE ganse paper during KYMUN. However, KYMUN in Jeju island gave me nice rest. At the second day of KYMUN, I walked along the hotel alone. Listening to the music, walking alone, feeling the sea breeze was a perfect rest itself. Moreover, leaving school for few days cleared my mind and refreshed me.

When we first decided to join KYMUN, we thought that we will be in one team, representing one country as team. But, as it turned out that each of us, individual should represent the delegate, I was in panic. However, thanks to KYMUN, friends and myself who helped me to get this far. I hope I can participate in another MUN with much more preparation and confidence.

Special Credits to  Kim Kyung-min B, Kim Seung Hye, Ryu Hyun Seung in GA, Jung Sehee, Shim Kyubo in SC, Jung Yunseo, Hwang Inkyu, Kim Hosung in ECOSOC, Kim Minkyom in UNEP, Hannah Joo(17th waver), Lee Soyoon(17th waver), Hwang Heeseung(18th waver) who actively participated as chairs!!

Monthly TOEFL Essay #2 (Possible changes in 21st century)

Topic for the response: The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

On December 31^st, 1999, at the last day of 20^th century, hope and expectation were prevalent in society with fear and worries facing the new millennium. Embracing those emotions, it has been 13 years since 21^st century was born. Several changes are made until now, and they are indicating other new changes in the future as well. I’ve selected few changes which are expected to be brought by brand new century.

Netscape went public on September 8^th, 1995 at the cost of 28$. It started the internet, dotcom market boom. In 21^st century, with the invention of smart phone, the world consists of more webs of internet and cell phones, and the development of network shifted the agent of several activities from group to individuals. Now we can download open-source software, movies, and songs with one click at home. For example, using a program ‘utorrent’, each individuals can upload and download files. We can update our status on our personal blogs or social media. Free educational lectures are offered at university website, making our visit to school unnecessary. In the past, all sort of things used to be held in groups such as the education in classroom, information shared in library. However, due to the development of network in 21^st century, activities are becoming individual-oriented.

Expected changes also include the development of renewable energy. The renewable energy is an energy which comes from the resources which are continuously replenished. They include wind, solar, bio-fuel and geothermal energy. Their further developments in 21^st century are self-evident since the men are feeling the need of renewable energy by their skin. The global warming is expedited in 21^st century, causing several phenomena such as stronger hurricanes, sea level rising, and polarization of seasons. Oil, natural gas and coal are running out within a century at most, and pollution is getting worse in every aspect. People started to focus on renewable energy, and continuing research and development. For example, methane hydrate and shale gas are newly found energy which are being investigated currently. Since human are keep feeling the need of renewable energy, and conducting research and development, renewable energy are expected to be the main source of energy.

Barely a decade has passed since 21^st century began, and it might be too early to suggest changes expected in new century. However, individualization and renewable energy as main energy source are quite feasible changes. By reflecting 20^th century, I hope we earn more positive changes than negative ones, and better result at the end of 21^st century.