The THIMUN experience is coming to a close; for some, so is school. Attending THIMUN, a prestigious combination of academic and social endeavors, is the highlight of many school careers. With this era of adolescence coming to a close, what will the future hold for graduating delegates, press members, and chairs?
These Generation Z members are between the ages of twelve and twenty-seven and were born between the years 1997 to 2012. This generation has the lowest dropout rate and highest graduation rates, which shows the increasing value of education. They are also more likely to seek higher education. The most common majors selected and have seen a rise in interest are business, healthcare, and a distinctive growing number of technology and communications. This comes from an emphasis on the accessibility of communication and the speed of technological advancements in today’s world.
This is an increase in technological interest seeing as older generations such as Generation X and Millennials did not have equal access to higher forms of technology. Due to an upbringing in a digital world with everyday utilization of smartphones and technology, Generation Z is more adept at technology and its progression. With higher education comes better access to technology and an understanding of its functions.
The graduating Class of 2024 THIMUN attendees have shared with the MUNITY Team some of their aspirations for post-graduation. According to the “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” online form, 92% of respondents plan to attend university or seek higher education, including pursuing career fields such as military, journalism, political science, healthcare, bioengineering, and law.
Here are some of the responses we have received, in more detail:
- Alice Papon, Co-Editor in Chief, MUNITY Press: “Going to university (in one of the four countries I applied to: US, UK, Canada, and France) to study political science/international relations or journalism. I want to be a war journalist later in life.”
- Dominic Bailey, Ambassador of China, GA6: “Business management at the University of Minnesota, then become an active duty Logistics officer in the military.”
- Malaika Hallo, UN Women, GA3: “Go to college, join ROTC, and work on my degree to become an emergency medicine doctor.”
- Wynne Chu, Editor in Chief, MUNITY Press: “University for biochemistry and business management.”
- Elise Bhonsle, Reporter, MUNITY Press: “University of Virginia, for economics and international relations.”
- Adelynn Duron, UN Women, GA6: “I plan on studying special education at Arizona State University.”
- Diana, GA3: “Study International and European Law.”
Regardless of where these scholars end up, they are set for success and have demonstrated not only their wit but also their character and ability to collaborate and persevere throughout their MUN career. The MUNITY team does not doubt their ability to succeed and wishes them well in their future endeavors. As Dr. Seuss wrote in Oh, the Places You’ll Go, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Drawing by Natalia “Apollo” Grzyb
