Students of Saint Ursula Academy had an impactful experience as they traveled with several classmates to the United Nations in New York City. 

 

The students, (Zoey Jacobs, Emily Horton, Julia Biernat, Sarah Kemper, Ellie Voelkerding, Leah Horn, Maggie Hollandsworth, Olivia Mobarry, Nora Goodwin, Olivia Schmidt) chaperoned by Mrs. Colleen Adkins and Mrs. Lisa Caito, were a part of the 68^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW is the “principal global intergovernmental body exclusivity dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.” Every year, various government officials, policymakers, advocates, and activists from around the world convene at the UN headquarters to discuss global standards and policies. Those who attend focus on advocating for women’s rights and monitor the progress toward gender equality worldwide in order to develop recommendations for action.

 

The trip left a significant impression on the students. When asked about their experiences, Sarah Kemper (‘24) expressed the most impactful moment on the trip was being able to wear the translating earpiece to understand what the French and Palestinian speakers were saying through a live translator. “It allowed the whole room to understand the true weight of each speaker’s words without the language barrier.”

 

Julia Biernat (‘25) shared that her favorite part of the trip was group discussions with the entire group after sitting in the conferences all day. At night, the group would discuss the notes they had taken throughout the day and share their own thoughts and opinions with each other. Julia shared how “It was amazing to listen to one another and translate many of the topics heard at the United Nations into our own lives as young women. It added a whole new layer of thought into my life as I considered brand-new issues and, a step further, how to help solve those issues.”

 

The trip deeply impacted all who attended. As young women, the SUA students were able to dive into real-world topics with discussions led by other successful, powerful women. The most valuable lesson Olivia Schmidt (‘26) learned was how closely connected the “little things” are. “The Commission on the Status of Women helped to show me that something small can make a huge impact even if you do not think it will.”

 

Saint Ursula is very proud of our students for taking the initiative to visit the United Nations and we cannot wait to see what they do in the future with what they have learned!