taking diplomacy across the atlantic
Madalena Reis, OPOMUN Media Team
Ryan Lasky, one of the La Salle College High School (LSCH) delegate, finds himself for the first time at OPOMUN to build important skills such as, leadership, communication, and teamwork while engaging with people from different cultures.
Ryan first got involved in MUNs due to an unexpected injury. After hurting his hamstring and being unable to play sports in his sophomore year, friends and teachers suggested he try MUNs. Ryan was introduced to diplomacy and international relations, where he gained valuable skills like compromise and working together with others.
He points out that OPOMUN is very well organised, but adjusting to the European style of MUN was a big change from the American style. His experience in Europe gave him the opportunity to explore and understand how different MUN styles work and the challenges of dealing with different cultural views internationally. One of the best parts of OPOMUN 2025 for Ryan was the variety of events planned for the delegates that helped break up the routine of formal debates and bring more fun to MUNs. Having a mix of both debate and fun activities, so delegates can relax and build relationships with each other, makes the experience even more enjoyable than it already is. Ryan admired how these events helped create a sense of community within the delegates at the conference.
Ryan Lasky believes that OPOMUN will have a lasting impact on his future. When asked to describe OPOMUN 2025 in three words, he relates the experience to being “different, fun, and educational,” which highlights how OPOMUN is beneficial to delegates in many ways. The experiences gained through OPOMUN can help participants improve their ability to communicate effectively and tackle challenges for the rest of their lives.
As he looks ahead to his future, Ryan is excited about the role OPOMUN plays in shaping his career aspirations. He is considering a future in law or economics, potentially working for the government, and he sees his participation in OPOMUN as a key part of developing the skills necessary for these fields. Specifically, Ryan’s involvement in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) simulation at OPOMUN has given him insight into the world of law, with Ryan describing it as “learning a lot” and gaining a legal perspective that will aid him in his future ambitions.
Along with the interest in developing professional skills, Ryan has really enjoyed experiencing and learning about the culture of Portugal. He talks about how the kindness, warmth, and hospitality of the Portuguese people, along with the amazing food, really stood out to him. He was struck by how welcoming everyone was, making him feel at home right away. Ryan feels that the close-knit community in Portugal teaches important lessons about unity and respect, which he believes are important both locally and globally. Looking at the United States, “I think that this is a fantastic nation and I think that the nation of the future should keep sight of the importance of respect among people,” he reflects, pointing out the need for more togetherness and understanding, both within countries and around the world.
Overall, OPOMUN has been an unforgettable experience for Ryan, giving him a great mix of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Whether he pursues law or economics, the lessons and skills he’s learned at OPOMUN will help guide him as he works toward his future goals.