Last month, Ursuline Academy of Dallas Model United Nations students traveled to Philadelphia to attend the 2026 Ivy League Model United Nations Conference, joining hundreds of delegates from around the world for several days of debate, diplomacy, and collaboration. The experience marked a meaningful milestone for the club, which has grown rapidly since being relaunched by student leaders.

Students shared a variety of motivations for joining Model UN, from an interest in politics to a desire to strengthen public speaking skills. Mary M. ’26 joined during her junior year, explaining, “I initially joined because I thought it would help supplement my involvement in mock trial and give me more of a chance to engage in politics.” Elsie L. ’26, who helped rebuild the club and serves as secretary, reflected on the program’s growth, saying, “Being a part of this rebuilding process has been very rewarding, and I've loved seeing how much the club has grown in such a short amount of time.” For Montserrat M. ’29, Model UN offered an opportunity to build global awareness while developing confidence as a speaker.

At the conference, students relied on skills honed through student-led practices. “My ability to publicly speak on the fly has definitely improved,” said Mary M. ’26. “Everything’s moving pretty fast, so you kind of just have to make it up as you go.” Lily M. ’26 emphasized adaptability, noting that delegates must think quickly to integrate ideas and collaborate on solutions to complex global issues. Elsie L. ’26 added that Model UN has strengthened her teamwork skills by teaching her to listen carefully to different perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard.

Beyond committee sessions, students valued the shared experience of traveling together. “My favorite part of the trip was spending five days with some of my best friends while participating in a conference filled with so many talented individuals,” said Lily M. ’26. Students also enjoyed unmoderated caucuses, delegate socials, and exploring Philadelphia together, even in snowy and frigid conditions.

The trip included meaningful opportunities beyond the conference itself. On Sunday evening, a group of students and chaperones attended Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a Gothic Revival church in the heart of Philadelphia. The historic parish has ties to two canonized saints, played a central role during the 1840s Nativist riots, and was the site of the American premiere of Mozart’s Requiem Mass. The experience offered students a moment of reflection and connection, grounding the trip in Ursuline faith and tradition.

Faculty moderators and chaperones Olivia Ide and Brett Fearer praised the students’ leadership and resilience throughout the trip. “The students always impress me by taking charge of arranging practices, teaching and supporting one another, and showing up at the conference in a mature and serious manner,” said Ide. Fearer highlighted the strong sense of ownership students bring to the club, noting that meetings and practices are fully student led and rooted in mutual support.

“The students were incredibly welcoming, and I was grateful to get to know them outside of a school setting,” said Rachel Campbell, Ursuline English teacher, who served as a chaperone for the trip. “It was inspiring to capture their excitement for learning, hear them discuss history and its impact on today’s world, and witness their leadership with one another and with students from other schools. I am so proud of their maturity and engagement, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

For many participants, the conference offered lasting perspective, reinforcing the importance of understanding differing viewpoints and working collaboratively toward solutions. As they returned home, Ursuline’s delegates carried with them strengthened confidence, deeper global awareness, and a renewed commitment to thoughtful dialogue and leadership that will continue to shape their journeys well beyond the conference.