Interviewed by: YAN Mingxing
Reported by: ZHANG Dongjie
Photographed by: LAN Rui
Translated by: LAI Xiaoyu
Edited by: Jennifer Taylor
Updated: 2013/5/26
In March, a team from HIT participated in the World Model United Nations (MUN) Conference World MUN 2013 Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. The School of Electrical Engineering and Automation student, ZHANG Zhengda received the Diplomacy Award at the conference. He is only the second person to ever receive the award from China. How does an engineering man turn into a diplomat and received such a great honor on the highest stage of MUN? Recently, our journalist interviewed ZHANG Zhengda to learn more about his experiences in the Model United Nations.
“Words Change Me”
There is an old saying in China, “A wise man’s words value much more than reading for ten years.” Indeed, sometimes words can change one’s life. ZHANG’s experience is an excellent interpretation of this old saying.
Many people think that receiving the Diplomacy Award means ZHANG is very good at English. Actually, ZHANG’s English background is not strong. He was assigned to a normal class according to his score in freshman English test. But President WANG Shuguo’s words change his life, “To be a talent in the 21st Century, you need to have a wide vision. Going outside to see the world is essential. ” “President WANG’s speech made me look forward to going abroad when I was a freshman. HIT provides an education going with the tide of the world development. I told myself to go outside” he said.
ZHANG was a typical engineering man. He studied formulas and exercises in the classroom every day. When the associations recruited, he decided to join the HIT International Exchange Association (HICA). He had a clear goal and he was not greedy. He was convinced that the Language Department of HICA would be his first step to the international stage. He wanted to concentrate fully on it.
Gradually, a project that the Language Department is responsible for, Model United Nations, attracted ZHANG. Motivated by interest, he started his journey in MUN. The performances of senior students impressed ZHANG so much that he made his mind to take them as models and stand on the highest stage of the international Model United Nations.
ZHANG took every simulation as an opportunity for training. After establishing the issue, he began working on the policy of the country he stood for. He read lots of English documents and wrote down his opinions. This work has brought him a productive life. He said, “I seldom watched news programs before going to the university. I didn’t think it could help my college entrance examination. But after joining the MUN, I have paid my attention to many hot issues and news.”
Life in MUN
"The main task of the students is learning. HIT has a strong atmosphere of learning. The courses increase in the sophomore year. I asked myself, is it worthwhile to continue?" Eventually, he overcame his hesitation. "I tried to be efficient. I spent time learning when others had fun. I have got used to a fast-paced life. I will never give up the MUN.” ZHANG made his decision and acted practically. He made full use of spare time to work harder. No pain, no gain. He successfully achieved a win-win between studying and MUN.
Since all projects require speakng English, ZHANG is faced with high demands for English speaking ability. “It really inspired my passion in studying. I am fluent in English communication in the MUN conference now.” Even though he is still just a sophomore student now, he has become an experienced MUN representative. He was selected to participate in the MACAU-TAINAN Model United Nations 2012 (MOTAI 2012) and the Pan-Yangtze River Delta Model United Nations Conference. He served as the Chairman of the World Health Organization and the assistant to the chairman of the United Nations Security Council. In the 2012 Pan-Yangtze River Delta Model United Nations Conference, ZHANG represented France in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Committee. His impressive performance won him the Outstanding Representative Award.
Opportunities are preserved for prepared minds. The World Model United Nations (MUN) Conference World MUN 2013 Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia began to select delegates at the end of 2012. ZHANG grasped the chance. He passed the written tests and interviews. He represented Cambodia, a developing country and participated in the issue of “Systematic Discrimination Against Cultural Minority” as a member of the Model United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. It made him nervous and excited to participate in the World MUN Conference on behalf of HIT. ZHANG has been busy working hard since the issue was established in January, 2013. He researched relevant national policy on the Internet to master the pros and cons of the issue. He asked professional teachers for advice. He tried his every effort to get as much information as possible. Then he wrote down his ideas.
When he stood on the stage of world MUN for the first time, he was a little nervous though he had prepared for a long time. But ZHANG adjusted his attitude quickly due to his preparations. He showed zeal and quick thinking in the discussions with other representatives. He played a leading role in the cooperation between the northern and southern delegates. Gradually, all representatives of developing and developed countries turned to him for cooperation. After five day’s efforts, he submitted the draft resolution and amendment with other members of the Organizing Committee. The Bureau approved of their solutions and ZHANG was awarded the Diplomacy Award, making him become the second person to ever receive the award from China.
"After spending more than a year in the Model United Nations, I can talk to others in English freely." The experience in Model United Nations has made ZHANG be more mature. "Participating in the MUN is not only for the games, but also for the opportunities to talk with other outstanding students from various universities." In his eyes, MUN is his interest. The Diplomacy Award is the result of hard work. He needs to do more in the future.
ZHANG Zhengda
