In FSMUN 10, I served as a member of the organizing committee for finance and visited the DISEC committee. My main responsibility was managing the event’s finances, which involved budgeting, tracking expenses, and ensuring that all departments had adequate resources for smooth operations. Additionally, I assisted in coordinating debates in the DISEC committee, ensuring that the discussions between delegates were well-organized and impactful. This experience allowed me to work in both administrative and financial roles, balancing significant responsibilities throughout the event.

Type of Experience: Creativity

This experience falls under creativity as it required strategic thinking, problem-solving, and innovative planning in managing financial resources and coordinating the debate flow in the committee. I chose this role because I was drawn to the opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills while contributing to the success of a large-scale event.

Learning Outcomes

LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

The most challenging aspect was managing the budget while meeting the needs of all departments without exceeding financial limitations. This was particularly tough because I had never dealt with such extensive event finances before. I overcame this challenge by using Excel to track expenses meticulously and working closely with department heads to prioritize essential costs. I felt proud to have handled a challenge that initially seemed overwhelming, and this experience reinforced the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to develop new skills. Managing finances for an event of this scale taught me better budgeting skills that will be invaluable for future endeavors, both personal and professional.

LO 3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Organization was key to this experience. I started by breaking down the tasks—budgeting, expense tracking, and coordinating with various departments—into manageable steps. I used spreadsheets and checklists to stay organized and conducted regular follow-ups with committee heads to ensure smooth operations. Planning was definitely more challenging than initiating since I had to ensure every financial aspect was accounted for, but this taught me better time management. Now, I feel more confident in initiating and planning any future activities, knowing the importance of structure and foresight.

LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Balancing financial management with assisting the DISEC committee was difficult, requiring perseverance and commitment. I had to remain focused even when tasks piled up or became overwhelming, such as managing last-minute expenses or facilitating smooth transitions between debates. I feel that showing this level of perseverance gave me a deeper understanding of the effort and dedication required to successfully manage large-scale events. Commitment to every small detail—whether financial or logistical—ensured the event ran smoothly.

Ensuring the food department ran smoothly required a great deal of perseverance, especially during the event when last-minute changes or shortages occurred. I had to be adaptable, responding quickly to any issues with the caterers or making changes on the fly to accommodate special dietary needs. Remaining committed to providing a positive food experience, despite the pressure, made me realize the importance of resilience in event management.

LO 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Collaborating with both the finance team and the DISEC committee highlighted the importance of teamwork. While I usually find working with others fairly easy, this experience required deeper collaboration due to the scale and complexity of the event. One challenge was working with different departments with varying needs, which sometimes caused conflicts about budget priorities. I handled this by facilitating open communication and compromise, recognizing the essential role collaboration plays in large events. Effective teamwork allowed us to address issues quickly and ensure success.

LO 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Through my involvement in the DISEC committee, I gained exposure to global issues such as disarmament and international security. These topics are critical on a global scale, influencing peace and stability worldwide. Engaging with these discussions deepened my understanding of global affairs, making me more aware of the responsibilities we all have as global citizens. Knowing that my contributions helped facilitate conversations on such pressing issues was empowering and personally fulfilling.

Final Takeaway

Through this CAS experience, I developed key characteristics of the learner profile, particularly inquirer and thinker. Managing finances encouraged critical thinking and innovation, while participating in DISEC debates fostered my curiosity about global issues. This activity also enhanced my leadership and collaboration skills, directly linking with economics, a subject I study, as it involved real-world financial management.

The highlight of the experience was seeing the successful completion of the event and knowing that my role contributed significantly. This experience challenged my perspectives on leadership and teamwork, reinforcing the value of collective effort. It has inspired me to continue seeking opportunities to contribute to similar initiatives in the future, particularly ones that merge financial management with global issues, as these are skills I hope to apply to my community and career.