*This article is on a specific type of club only with generalization; the author respects all clubs in school with their unique visions, and any generalization perceived as disrespectful is not intentional.

Since I learned an activity known as Model UN, for years it has impacted me. Model UN is an activity that combines all my interests – public speaking, negotiating, and writing – together into one independent event. It constantly challenges my intellectual capacity, sitting in a conference with all kinds of documents and research in front of me, and with delegates who are just as eager as I am into discussing real world issues. While working with different delegates on a resolution or passionately discussing how to solve the energy crisis, the joy is overwhelming.

This is an event where I am challenged in ways that Hill does not otherwise offer. I believe many people at the Hill School share a similar mindset. We joined the community at Hill for a better educational experience, and to further our individual academic potential. Growing as individuals and reaching our full potential are important missions of Hill.

However, we should never limit ourselves to the 200 acre campus. There are always more opportunities outside of the school that, we as high school students, can and should seize. The boundary of academic excellence and intellectual achievement is only limited by our imagination and our ability to reach out.

Hill can offer us a lot, with teachers who dedicate their time to our class experience and activities that exercise our mind and body. We are students and people with passions, and we should pursue those passions. Whether that passion is spending time designing a robotic submarine or learning finance and business for DECA, we can all find that one activity that is just right for ourselves.

Hill should support the students who are willing to reach out for more opportunities. The Hill School Mission Statement is, “The Hill School prepares young men and women from across the country and around the world for college, careers, and life.

Within a family school environment and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, we challenge our young people to work hard; think and reason; be fulfilled; serve the common good; and be prepared to lead as citizens of the world, uniquely guided by our motto, ‘Whatsoever Things Are True.’”

The school’s mission is best enshrined when individuals are willing to pursue their passion through curricular or extracurricular activities. However, many clubs and programs at Hill are clearly lacking in enough support and funds. MUN is one such club.

There are so many opportunities outside of the school where students with great passion can fulfill their potential, and develop as individuals. Isn’t this the core value of the liberal arts curriculum? A MUN conference lasts no more than four days, but the lessons one learns and the experience one gains in the process isn’t replaceable with months of classroom education. I believe other activities pursued by individuals share the similarity.

We, as a generation, will shoulder the future and the challenges ahead. Let us not forget to build our best selves.

Disregarding what field or area you are interested in, you can always find the event that you will never forget for life, and that can be the greatest lesson where you not only learn to be a student but a passionate person who is unafraid of pursuing one’s dream.