By the time I wake up every morning, it’s usually the end of my first class period, calculus. The 9 o’ clock bell works as an adequate alarm, but Mr. Skerbitz’s desks could use a little more pillow. My days begin after I wipe the saliva from my chin, or when Skerb’ notices the coma I’m in.

Today, however, I woke up to the sound of late-winter birds outside my window and a room flooded with sunlight. After glancing at my clock this morning, I found momentary bliss in the fact that I had slept in on a Thursday. This was followed by another wave of bliss when I realized that I was excused from school today. But within the hour, I was suited up, half-Windsor’d, and on a bus to a Marriot in Minneapolis.

I’ve been preparing for the 25th annual Model United Nations for quite some time now. During these next few days, I will be representing the island nation of Haiti in a mock General Assembly. Scholars from all over Minnesota comprise the UN organs, and each represents a specific member-state. The facilities here are top-notch and the debates are engaging. It’s only day one, and MUN has already proven to be a valuable experience.

We began the mock session with an appreciably extravagant welcoming ceremony. The Marriot ballroom buzzed with the energy of scholars as the procession of advisers was escorted by a professional bag-piper and drummer, complete with matching kilts. Eloquent speeches followed and eventually, attendance was called. As each representative called “present” at the announcement of their respective nation, I began to feel that I was a part of something much bigger than a swarm of fancily-dressed students in a posh ballroom. All of the sudden, there was something not-quite mock about a group of nations represented by kids. There was something tangibly, surprisingly real about the atmosphere. At some point during that ceremony, I assured myself of a truth that I had failed to recognize. Sure, I’m a citizen of Bangladesh and of the United States. But as I replied “present” to “Haiti,” I knew that foremost, I am a citizen of the world.

The United Nations is a noble coalition. It represents what humans are and what the denizens of Earth strive to be. It’s a peacekeeper, an arbitrator, a negotiator, a manifestation of human desire for universal well-being. It’s insignia says it all: the United Nations are nations united. Under one banner, the United Nations is the umbrella of mankind, the symbol of all that is human, a cradle not only for this planet, but for those who inhabit it.

Later in the afternoon, as we split into committees and began a heated debate on the distribution of genetically modified foods, I began to consider the implications of my global citizenship. By the end of the debate, I had reached a compromise with the United States and even made friends with Russia. I wasn’t sure whether it was Haiti that was forging alliances, or me.

After the resolutions were drafted and passed, following a series of troll sessions and fillibusters, it was time to break for dinner. I quickly swapped the suit and tie for casual attire and toured Minneapolis via Skyway.

Three words: Skyways are awesome.

This is indoors.

Much like the underground malls of urban Japan, Skyways are the not-so hidden treasures of metropolitan Minnesota. They offer a completely different perspective of the city than one might expect. Little did I know that cozy boutiques, bustling food courts, pricey specialty shops, and even full-fledged shopping centers could be squeezed into the indoor plazas and above-road bridges between the skyscrapers of Minneapolis. I spent nearly an hour exploring with my roommate after dinner; our fear of not returning to the hotel in time was the only reason we didn’t keep going. As such, I’ve added Skyways to my prestigious list of favorite places.

If it weren’t for Skyways, I wouldn’t have remembered that it was Saint Patrick’s day today. I was happily reminded as we walked over a parade.

Looking down from the 23rd floor of the Marriot now, the flow of traffic is impressive for it being 2:00am. Laughter and chatter are audible as they echo up from the street below, undoubtedly from people who are making the most of March 17th (now 18th, actually). Today (yesterday) was a day to remember. I made friends through my alliances,vengeful enemies through my victories, learned more about Haiti, and learned more about myself. And discovered an uncultivated love for Skyways. For now, the loads of homework, quizzes, and tests that I’ll have to make up seem superficial. As does the  Minnesota State Science Fair coming up this same weekend.

See also: Diplomats, Debates, and Distasteful Dance Parties