Shanae Sewell: first Jamaican vice-chair of Model United Nations Assembly

Vere Technical head girl, Shanae Sewell, has become the first Jamaican to serve as vice chair of a High School General Assembly at the World Federation of United Nations Association International Model United Nations (WIMUN).

Currently in its fifth year of rendition, WIMUN represents “the most accurate simulation of the United Nations in the world”.

According to their website, “The World Federation of United Nations Associations aims to precisely simulate the United Nations in Model UN programs and provide students with the most realistic experience possible.”

The assembly features intensive training workshops taught by UN officials, discussions on pertinent world issues and rich involvement of youth of various backgrounds worldwide. Shanae became involved in the Model United Nations in 2013.

She recalls “I was never the most outspoken person in my class or any audience. As a matter of fact, I was shy and reserved. I just went with the flow and would not voice my opinion.”

However, this changed after being introduced to the club by her faculty adviser, Owen Rodney. She adds: “I believe he saw a greater potential in me then than I ever did in myself.”This potential was noted by her colleagues and attendees from last year’s assembly.

She explains that she was nominated for the position by her school’s secretary, as she believed that the level of intellect displayed was deserving of more than only being granted only a diplomacy award. Eventually, she would be elected by the 153 delegates who she serves at this year’s assembly.

The importance of teamwork and her school’s support in achieving this feat cannot be overlooked. She told The Gleaner: “It was never about ‘you and me’ but more of team work makes the dream work. ... I am elated by the opportunity to be granted this position, but this feat is a stepping stone in a positive direction for my team, and on a wider base, my school.”

The principle that guides her throughout her endeavours is, “The heights of great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night.”

She has internalised this maxim especially after experiencing her most challenging personal experience, the passing of her mother in 2010. The impact of this loss has been lessened, however, by the involvement of her grandmother in her life. Her grandmother, Theresa Turner, who she said is the cornerstone of her success, embodies the quote through her tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people she serves.

Commitment to nation-building

This commitment to nation-building has inspired Shanae to achieve greatness and has fuelled her desire to make an impact on the world stage. Therefore, it is not surprising that she aims to be the second black secretary general of the United Nations. Becoming a senior diplomat would be the pinnacle of her career as she would be in the unique position to contribute to the advancement of human civilization.

This ambitious student leader has already started on this prodigious goal. Late last year she was nominated and shortlisted for the Prime Minster’s Youth Award for Excellence in Nation Building for her service in her grandmother’s benevolent society. In addition to being head girl, she also contributes to her school as president of the United Nations Club, the debate team captain, a member of the drama and Key Clubs and a cheerleader.

She explains that balancing those responsibilities are easy for her because she enjoys the activities she does. She encourages students to develop a passion for whatever they do.

Her advice to other students who aspire to make an indelible impact on society is to be hardworking, determined, motivated and ambitious, as those qualities facilitate triumph.