Who we are
One of the most prestigious clubs at Marianopolis College, Marianopolis Model United Nations (MariMUN) is an organization that enables students to improve their debating skills and knowledge of current events through conferences that we attend and hold. Since its establishment, the club has drastically expanded, with members attending the World MUN conference in Taipei, Taiwan last year. MariMUN hopes to continue to excel and through the efforts of its members and supporters, aims to attend this year's World MUN conference in Singapore.
Executives
Abhinav Gupta is your friendly neighborhood VP. He will know everyone, what everyone wants, how they want to do it, and if you're sincere and you work hard, he'll move the Heavens and the Earth to make what you want come true -- mind you, he probably wouldn't tell you he did anything unless you asked; he works from behind the scenes. In fact, that's something he learned from Model United Nations -- the majority of the work is done behind the scenes. However, this comes with a catch; when he's not doing work, Abhinav is very much NOT behind the scenes. He is -- quite literally -- the big man on campus; you may see him walking into door frames and light fixtures, or you may hear him making others laugh or laughing himself -- which, as legend has it, can be heard on the opposite side of the planet. Either way, you won't miss him -- if he has to yell at you for something you did, you really won't miss him. Not to worry; Abhinav angry is a rare event; he is a patient teacher, and he will teach you to be a fine diplomat. Abhinav studies Commerce, and loves it.
Rachel Gibian is this year's Charge D'affaires of the Marianopolis Model United Nations club and is currently studying in the Liberal Arts program. She first approached Model UN as a way to improve her grasp on the global impact of environmental and social issues (notably deforestation and fair trade), but stayed for the sense of fulfillment and cooperation that comes from collaborating with equally passionate youths. Furthermore, as a member of this year's exec team, she is proud to participate in the new 'MariMUN gives back' program. Rachel is particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to initiate others to the world of MUN by organizing this year's edition of our very own MariMUN, a conference specifically targeted at High School and CEGEP students interested in learning more about the functioning of international bodies. It promises to be a lot of work and a lot of fun... and she looks forward to both.
Seyed Hamid Sadr Ghayeni is this year’s director of finances. He currently studies in Health sciences and is surprisingly enjoying it. Hamid was born in Iran, grew up in Australia (Yes Australia... but he lost the accent.), and now lives in Canada, he therefore considers himself an Iranian-Australian-(french)-Canadian. He first entered the Model UN club because of the interesting things he had heard of it and the interest he had and has in debating. He soon realized that debating and Model UNing are not the same thing, never the less he still appreciates the conferences we attend. He hopes to one day continue into the domain of medical studies and hope to go into finances if plan “A” (med-school) doesn’t work out, hence the interest in finances. Outside of school, Hamid loves playing soccer, playing hockey, occasionally shooting some hoops, snowboarding, swimming(not competitively.. only child’s play), and meeting new people (he considers this a sport). He may also try to slip in the
occasionally joke here and there: they’re pretty funny… so he thinks. =P
Tamara Sevunts is this year's Director of Communications and last year's First Year Executive. More than happy to be back on the team, she is currently in Creative Arts, Languages and Literature. Born and raised in Montreal, but very attached to her Armenian origins, she gets the political-science-world-interest gene from her father. One of her main loves – aside from music – is acting. It is partly why, Model UN, the general idea of “becoming” diplomats for a week-end, was an instant hit with her. In her spare time (is there any?) she writes, watches movies, plays piano, and fights the bad guys, one argument at a time.
Marianne Casgrain is this year’s Director of Fundraising of the Marianopolis Model United Nations Club. Because of her French-Canadian heritage, she has a tendency to spontaneously add French words during an English conversation. She will be returning as a second year Commerce student. In the classroom, Marianne is known as a person who likes to constantly ask questions to her teachers. She has used this quality during her Model UN debates. During the summer, she enjoys working as a lifeguard, teaching swimming lessons and give aquaforme lessons; consequently, she likes to swim. Because of her interest in international affairs and politics, Model UN became the ideal club to satisfy her curiosity on these topics. This year, Marianne hopes that all new students to the MUN Club will have a great time and learn many lifelong lessons!
