After a 30-hour journey from Pennsylvania, the United States, to Wuxi, China, four other Americans and I arrived at our hotel for the 2026 Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference, this July. It was my first time in China, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I certainly didn't think that the second I walked into a room, I would be surrounded by fellow delegates asking for pictures, autographs, and especially my WeChat.
The author strikes a pose for fellow delegates to take pictures of him. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
At the conference, I had the opportunity to represent the Russian Federation on the United Nations Security Council. Throughout the conference, we debated one of the world's most pressing issues: the 2026 Iran crisis and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. It was incredibly interesting to see the perspectives of Chinese youth on global affairs and compare them with those of Americans. Representing Russia was a unique experience for me as an American. It required me to consider an issue from a perspective different from my own nation's and to understand why other countries might approach the same crisis differently.
What stood out to me most was how engaged everyone was in the discussions. Although we came from different countries and had very different perspectives on international issues, we were all able to find common ground through debate and negotiation. Model UN gave us an opportunity to look beyond our nationalities and work together toward solutions to complicated international problems.
The author receives a certificate of commendation after the conference. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Another amazing part of the trip was exploring the city of Wuxi. After Model UN ended for the day, we would travel to various areas of the city. One highlight was the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area. Our advisors put us into groups with one American, one Italian, and one Chinese student to complete a scavenger hunt around the town. The lanterns above us illuminated the path as we strolled along the mystical canals. One of the best experiences in life is eating noodles while admiring the reflections of the lights on the water below you.
I also thoroughly enjoyed visiting Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural Block. It was similar to the ancient town, except it had more shopping. There was a store where cats relaxed on the roof and plenty of food vendors along the main street. A staple of our trip to China was Mixue, where we often got boba and ice cream for extremely low prices.
The author poses for a photo on a bridge on Nanchang Street in Wuxi at night. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The highlight of the trip, however, came on the last night of the conference. There was a social event described as student performances and "prom". They were giving out bracelets worth one point and selling roses worth 10 points, with the boy and girl who had the most points being named prom king and prom queen.
At the beginning of the event, a younger boy came up to me, asked for a picture, and said he would buy me a rose. Gradually, a line formed as my peers asked for pictures and autographs until the crowd grew so large that they surrounded another American girl and me. That was the first time in my life I felt like a celebrity.
After talking to about 100 other students, we went up and sang American karaoke songs on stage. China is the country I have visited with the most different culture from my own, but I loved it.
The author poses in the center of a large group photo at the 2026 Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference in Wuxi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Traveling across the world teaches you a lot. But traveling across the world to China for a Model UN conference, working on issues involving global affairs, conflict, and international peace with more than 800 Chinese, Italian, Indonesian, and American students, changed my outlook on life.
I came to Wuxi expecting to participate in a Model UN conference. I left with new friends, new perspectives, and a much greater understanding of how much young people from different countries can learn from one another. For me, that was the most meaningful part of the experience.
Hugo Poppy, from the United States, will enter Boston University in the fall studying international relations and business.
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