Model UN, if only it would work in real life.....

When my middle child was in ninth grade, I had the privilege of being the chauffeur for him and five of his friends on their way to a Model UN conference.

The car ride was alive with youthful energy—six teenagers, between the ages of 13 or 14, passionately discussing or rather arguing their topics, world events, and geopolitics. Each one arguing their points with such conviction that they almost forgot I was in the car. Or maybe they didn’t care I was there. They debated fiercely, citing facts and passionately defending their points of view. Sometimes they backed down, other times, they dug deeper, refusing to waver in their stance.

As I listened, I was struck by their passion.

It was inspiring—and a little bittersweet. These were the kids who believed in their cause, who genuinely thought they could solve world problems.

If only the Model UN worked the same way in real life. If only the leaders of our world would sit down, argue with facts, listen to each other just like these teenagers, and ultimately prioritize the greater good. My mommy heart was overwhelmed with emotions.

On the way back when I was driving home by myself, I realized that that car ride wasn’t just about getting them to the conference. It was about watching them navigate the world in their own way, discovering the power of their voices and the value of others.They were the fortunate ones who had this resource available to them, unlike many children in their age group who grew up or are going to grow up in refugee camps.

That car ride gave me hope. It reminded me that while we may have a long way to go in solving real-world challenges, the next generation is ready to step up. They’re bold, curious, and unafraid to have tough conversations.

As a mom, moments like this remind me why it’s so important to give our kids the space to express themselves, even when their ideas seem raw or their voices too loud. I realized it a little later in life but in time. My firstborn always tells me how much more lenient I was with his younger siblings than I was with him. Oh well, as long as I learnt….

I am thankful that I got a chance to chauffeur them. Someday, one of them might be up there, at the real-life UN solving world problems.

Have you had moments like these—where just being a quiet observer in your child’s life left you inspired?

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