Greetings! I’m Michael Isayan, a former student at Portola Middle School and currently a freshman at North Hollywood Highly Gifted Magnet. I’m in my fourth year of participating in Model United Nations, and I first got started on that journey right here at Portola.

Model UN is essentially about solving problems - student delegates prepare for and participate in conferences and events by analyzing political and global crises ranging from the melting of polar ice caps to the military situation in Ukraine. The skills acquired in MUN are integral to every student’s education and help prepare us for real-world scenarios.

In my own experience, MUN has been a leading factor in helping develop my critical thinking and problem solving abilities. The program is centered around global affairs and politics as a whole, aiding students like myself understand these subjects and apply them in a variety of academic classes and extracurricular activities. Most importantly, MUN provides a unique experience in public speaking, research skills, and critical thinking development.

A large part of my positive MUN experience has been thanks to Ms. Kang, our wonderful teacher, and my fellow students at Portola. With their leadership, Bridges MUN 2022 is sure to be a success, and I hope you enjoy the conference! Go Phoenixes!

When I joined MUN, I had absolutely no idea what it was. The only reason I joined is because it seemed educational, and after a bad experience at my first conference I nearly wanted to leave. I almost did if it wasn’t for my parents. They told me to keep trying and I am so happy that I did. Model UN has become one of the best of school and I would not give it up. MUN offers some of the best experiences through debate and problem solving.

My experience at Portola MUN was one that has influenced my life now very much in so many positive ways. Because of this club, I was able to find confidence in myself when it came to public speaking and I’ve also learned how to solve problems and collaborate with others to find tangible solutions. This club has also helped me find a community of people with whom I can connect, and I still do MUN with many of them now in high school. Our collaboration and support of one another have also helped me improve on many different levels, developing skills that I can use all throughout my future. Overall, I’ve had an unforgettable experience at Portola MUN and will cherish the skills I have gained here for many years to come.