Help get Olivia to THIMUN 2016

My name is Olivia Meikle and I am a year 13 student at Waimea College in Nelson. I have been given a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to represent New Zealand as part of ‘New Zealand Schools Delegation to The Hague International Model United Nations’ in January 2016.

Through attending New Zealand Model United Nations, the opportunity was presented to me to apply to be part of THIMUN 2016. I am completely honored to say that I was selected to represent New Zealand at The Hague International Model United Nations in January 2016. I can’t even begin to comprehend this life changing opportunity which has been presented to me.

The Hague International Model United Nations is a five-day conference which simulates the United Nations. It is hosted annually at The Hague with around 4,000 students from all over the world taking part in a week-long Model UN in which each delegation represents the views of another country. This conference will provide me with an incomparable opportunity to engage with like-minded students from around the world. While developing my debating and negotiation skills, and also deepen my understanding about the UN systems and pressing world issues.

Not only do we take part in the conference, but the New Zealand Schools delegation to THIMUN also embarks on a 21-day study tour before the conference. The study tour involves visiting New York and then major cities in Europe including Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Vienna. While doing this we will get the opportunity to visit sites of historical significance, meet diplomats and visit different United Nations Buildings and New Zealand’s different embassies and permanent missions.

I am the only person to be attending THIMUN 2016 from the top of the South Island and I am beyond excited and overwhelmed by this opportunity. I can’t wait for the experience of a lifetime, which I believe will help me grow as a person and improve my knowledge about the world which surrounds us. All the while making memories and friendships which will last a lifetime.

As you could imagine this opportunity comes at a great cost, upwards of $8,000. I also need to prepare for university next year where I plan to study a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and Developmental Studies at Victoria University. I am planning on fundraising as much of this trip as possible, and I am going to work my hardest to gains the funds needed. But I need your help too, no matter how small of a donation it really means the world to me.

I hope to make you, Nelson and New Zealand proud when I embark on my trip.

Thank you so much,

Olivia Meikle

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/70626743/diplomacy-dream-fuelled-by-seat-at-un-youth-table