Maryem Abdulla is the smabulous (smart+fabulous) president of UIC’s Model UN Team. The Model UN team allows undergraduate students role-play delegates and simulate United Nation committees. Not only does Model UN allow Maryem get to meet people across the globe, but she is also able to strengthen her networking skills while expressing her creativity and imagination. We recently spoke with Maryem about her involvement with UIC’s Model UN team along with her other responsibilities. Boy does this ‘collegiette’ have time management skills.
As if her Political Science classes weren’t enough, she is also preparing for the American Model UN (AMUN) conference that is taking place in Chicago. On top of this, Maryem also works as an intern at the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions. Now I really feel like a slacker.
Although the Chicago-native has many responsibilities, she doesn’t stress because she is passionate about each and every one of them. Her passion for politics, international relations, and debate push her to do her very best at every given oppurtunity. She eventually plans on working with the United Nations and desires “helping those that cannot help themselves.”
It was truly an honor speaking with Maryem. This GOF (girl on fire) is definitely going places…and no one can extinguish her flame!
Name: Maryem Abdulla
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science/Communications
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Hobbies/Interests: Politics, debate, online shopping, Netflix. Especially Netflix.
How did you get involved with Model UN?
I was first involved with Model UN in my junior year of high school. I had just transferred to a new school and the Model UN team advisor at the time convinced me to try out. It was a great way of making new friends and expressing myself, so I stuck with it until I graduated. After high school, I found out that UIC had a team and I decided to join. Tatiana Scripnic, who was the president at the time, was incredibly inviting and encouraging. After a year and a half of being a member of the team, I decided to run for presidency and won.
What do you enjoy most about Model UN?
I really enjoy everything about Model UN. Through Model UN I am able to meet people from all over the world, create new connections and contacts, and express myself in an unconventional way. I like the fact that at every meeting I can play a new role—I can be an evil dictator one day and represent a peaceful and non-confrontational nation the next. My absolute favorite part about being involved with Model UN though is the fact that I am able to maintain a sense of creativity and imagination, which I think people lose when they grow older and more mature.
How are you preparing for the AMUN Conference?
Each semester the Model UN team goes to a different conference. This semester we are attending American Model United Nations (AMUN) here in Chicago. We try to prepare for the conference through weekly simulations that are organized to simulate the conference sessions exactly. Each week, members are assigned countries and we come together to discuss and debate certain topics that are relevant in current world politics. Along with that, we have workshops to help members become more familiar with what is expected of them at the conference.
You also work as an intern at the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions. How are you able to balance all of your responsibilities?
While I have quite a few responsibilities, I am passionate about them all. Not only do I love Model UN, but I also value my education and my job. I think that this passion is what pushes me to do my best, despite how busy I may be. I take my responsibilities very seriously, which is why I try my hardest to make time for everything I am involved in.
What impact has Model UN had on your experience at UIC?
When I first came to UIC, I was a very different person than I am now. Through the Model UN team I met some of my best friends. I think it’s a great way for students, freshmen especially, to meet new people and create new relationships. I was initially a communications major and after being involved with the team, I learned that my interest in communications was very limited. I noticed that I have a great passion for politics, international relations, and debate. In a way, it somewhat helped me discover who I am and who I want to be.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, my plan is to go to law school for international law. Eventually, I hope to work for the United Nations. No matter where I end up after I graduate, my ultimate goal is help those who are unable to help themselves.