Model UN is an inherently political club, these spaces often foster political understanding and discussion. Sophie Garland and Ali Boucher are students at West Albany High School that enjoy the fruits of this club amongst their peers.
WW: How politically and internationally aware do you think you are?
Garland: I try to follow as many reputable news stories as I can and kind of just stay involved on a local scale.
Boucher: I think I’m more aware of stuff happening in the US, I’d say…I’m a good amount aware.
WW: What do you think aided you in procuring this awareness?
Garland: My mom is also very politically active. We listened to NPR on the way to school every day when I was in middle school. So she’s always taught me to be very aware of what’s going on in society and not make myself blind to anything.
Boucher: I’d see a lot of misinformation spread, and I wanted to find out what was true for myself so I could make my own opinions.
WW: Currently, what is an international/national issue you find yourself interested in?
Garland: I’d say in America, probably the Trump administration plans on deploying the troops to Portland. That’s a pretty hot topic right now. [and] what’s going on with Israel and Palestine and the other neighboring countries that are being affected by their conflict
Boucher: I’m very interested in the ban around abortions recently. I’m very passionate about it.
WW: Do you believe that people are generally as aware as you?
Garland: Honestly, not really. I have a lot of times where I’ll mention recent political issues, and I’ll get blank stares and crickets.
Boucher: I think it depends on where you’re located, but from what I’ve seen, I’m gonna be inclined to say no, because I feel like a lot of people are just going with what they see on TikTok, which is not a good source of information.
WW: Are you politically active?
Garland: I would like to say so. I mean, I did just get my ballot. That was a very exciting moment in my life. I like to exercise my right to vote, even in just small processes, like local things or even in school, voting for simple stuff.
Boucher: Not really, other than Model UN.
WW: Do you have any ideas for solutions that might aid in solving these issues?
Garland: I think with our state government and honestly just the citizens, how they’re withstanding the pressures that the national troops and ICE and the Trump administration are putting on them, especially in Portland, I think that’s really important for just maintaining not just our rights as a society, but keeping our voice strong.
Boucher: I think we should let states make their own laws and decide that there shouldn’t be a big government rule for, like, all of the U.S. I think we should let each place decide for themselves.
“You don’t know my power” -Peter Cooke
