My 2007 UN Trip-Alessandra Slayton

There are so many trips offered by schools that cloak themselves under the guise of being “educational.”  Yes, some of these trips have opportunities to gain knowledge.  However, much of this knowledge can also be found in the school yard. 

              My trip to the UN was devoid of lackluster promise, empty space or confusion that is characteristic of a school trip. I was accompanied by many of the brightest young minds in Bermuda who also command excellent social skills.  Those who came with me to the conference welcomed me with open arms and made my time in New York memorable and fun.  Lying on the floor in the airport for an hour or two while waiting for our flight was just as exciting as preparing for our speeches due to the vivacity of my team members.

              As for the educational part, those who attended the conference were not only educated on the adverse affects of global warming but also how we can be more mature and take a stance against it.  Some brilliant speakers graced us with their presence and impacted me in such a way that now I make a more conscious effort to turn off a light when I leave a room and use less paper.  Hopefully this will be my first small step, with many to follow.

              So please, if you consider taking a trip, and if your parents insist it be educational, find out if you can become involved with the trip to the United Nations Conference.