By Lina Maragha, University of Toronto, Former THIMUN Qatar DSG, ASD
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August 4th, 2015 marks a date deeply ingrained in my memory. It is the date on which I first set foot in Palestine, my homeland, for the first time in my life. Temperatures had skyrocketed, and it was the hottest August ever on record in the state. Despite this, I don’t remember feeling the heat. Goosebumps crept up my skin while I observed the beauty of my country. It was everything I had imagined it to be, but more. I was surrounded by terraces that had existed for millennia, and by olive groves which provided peaceful and shaded pathways to villages and communities. I walked alongside people who immersed me in their high spirits, and I heard an Arabic dialect which finally matched my own. This subtle combination of history, faith, and nature painted the perfect canvas; one that I wholeheartedly belonged to.
However, this pristine imagery was impeded by men in uniform clutching 32 inch rifles tight to their chests. It was interrupted by the 96 mile barrier which split my homeland in two. It was fragmented by my sudden realization that this country held no prospect of political resolution on the horizon, and that I had been too dissociated from my homeland to truly realize the magnitude of this conflict. Yet I refused to allow the sharp pain of this realization to hinder my ability of thinking towards future steps. I engaged in conversation with representatives of non-violent resistance groups such as Ali Abu Awwad, and started to understand the power of practicing active compassion and truth when trying to make a difference.
Compassion is the hallmark of the soul. It is an element of human nature which emphasizes unity and our connectedness to each other, and is not restrained by our race, gender, culture, or our socio-economic status. It is the passion and want to relieve another person’s suffering, and it is a virtue which has been instilled in me through my participation and involvement through many activities, namely Model United Nations. Although my commitment to support others stems from my Palestinian background, model UN has provided the motivation to actively apply compassion to all of my contributions to society.
My persistence and determination, along with the work ethic deeply instilled in my character means I continue to challenge myself both academically and non-academically. This simultaneously helps me strive towards becoming a successful, positive, active and global citizen. I feel this is best exemplified through my constant attempts to find creative ways to help advocate for the often forgotten voices of both my community and the international one.
For example, shortly after the Nepal Earthquake, three of my friends and I took to the commons to help raise money for those that were afflicted. We took it upon ourselves to use what we had – our voices and musical instruments – and share it with others for a good cause. Through this over 1000QR was raised in just two weeks. I attribute this success to our empathy and desire. The notion that there were individuals of the same age as us not being provided equal opportunities encouraged us to take advantage of our own privilege and provide support. Thus, compassion motivated us to take action.
My current executive roles and long term commitment to Girl Up, Model United Nations, and my own founded service group; the International Rescue Committee further illustrate the impact participating in simulations of the UN had on me. Although MUN is not necessarily a service group, I feel it highlights the notion of compassion as I did not just participate, I actively utilized every opportunity that was provided to garner the skills I could use to help others; whether this be through training sessions or through presenting at leadership conferences. Model UN taught me how to convey my thoughts and ideas and also how to be a compelling and effective leader. My eclectic executive positions with Model UN from Deputy Secretary General of the THIMUN 2017 conference to Head of ASDMUN illuminated to me the complex realities of many international situations. Ultimately, it kindled my desire to make a lasting and effective difference, and equipped me with the right tools to convey my compassion for causes with others.
These experiences with Model UN have helped formulate my future ambitions, and I plan on carrying the values I have acquired these past four years into the far future. My desire to help make a change in my individual community firmly established my sense of compassion and helped me apply it to my contributions to the international community.