On March 9th, 2025, UVU students traveled to the United Nations in New York City to collect their UN Grounds Passes, located at the UN Pass & ID Office. These passes give access to UN premises, necessary for the events we are attending for the next three days.
Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Christ Hermes Louyoko, McKay Jones, and Cade Bloomer pose near the UN Headquarters
The day before, on March 8th, 2025, these students flew from Utah to New York City, practicing their statements on the plane. Taking the subway from the airport to the hotel for the first time was a little intimidating and confusing, but also proved empowering and enlightening. That night we were able to see the Consulate General of Hungary and the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia. This was my first time in New York City (and on the East Coast of the United States), and I fell in love with the city within the first few hours. I had the opportunity to visit such beautiful places such as Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, the One World Trade Center (and Ground Zero), and Times Square. I love walking through the streets and discovering something new every time.
Students pose by the Church Center, the location of UVU’s parallel event on March 10th, 2025
On Sunday, we were going to rehearse our parallel event at the Church Center for the United Nations, but unfortunately, the building was closed. However, the day still proved productive because the group got acquainted with the logistics of the United Nations. Waiting in line to get the passes took a long time, but also gave the students the opportunity to network with others and meet people from all over the world.
Students showcase their UN passes after waiting in line for an hour for them
Through the Student Engaged Learning (SEL) we trust ourselves to host a successful parallel event on March 10th, 2025. I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity to come to New York and advocate for marginalized groups in Salt Lake Valley. Thanks to UVU’s Political Science Department and the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgz Republic to the UN, I’ve been able to go to a place I’ve dreamed of going for my entire life.
UVU Community waits in line for the UN Pass & ID Office
McKay Jones, Vice-President, Utah International Mountain Forum
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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