As you may know, the Honors Program offers a Model Illinois Government (MIG) Program. From September to February, students met twice a month to focus on skills like analyzing and debating bills, public speaking, and collaboration. I had the wonderful chance to speak to Angel Nuñez, a sophomore majoring in Marketing. This was Angel’s second year participating in MIG. This year, he was a Senate Democrat, meaning that he would analyze bills and take a stance that reflected Democratic ideas and values. His committee centered on the topics of education and human services, as well as the environment. All this work builds up to the main event where students debate with other schools at the capital in Springfield, IL!
Angel woke up at “the crack of dawn” to get ready for the Amtrak train at 6:30am to head to Springfield with his peers. Although it was early and he was tired, Angel said that the commute there was “peaceful and motivating to do the best I could” as he shared his nervousness and excitement with his peers. Once they arrived, our MIG superstars went to the hotel to settle in and had the chance to visit the Official Lincoln Library and Museum. Angel described it as an interesting display explaining history with artifacts. On day one, Angel also shared how they practiced committee debate, including topics like if schools should be teaching certain subjects. Day two included the senate chambers, which were even bigger and more daunting. Angel shared, “It was a big space with a lot of students, and it took a lot of courage to put ourselves out there and speak and represent Roosevelt.” However, their hard work and dedication paid off!
Participating in only the second year of the program, our RU Honors MIG group took home two awards! They won an award for ‘Outstanding Small Delegation’, and Avery Vandermeer received the ‘Outstanding Journalist!’ It was the first time winning these awards, and were impressive wins for Roosevelt as the MIG program is a bit younger than other schools. When asked what set Roosevelt apart from other schools, Angel said that they “had a strong sense of community and stood with each other, and empowered each other.” Angel shared that MIG has had a tremendous impact on him as a student. MIG provides a space “to develop critical thinking skills, build a routine and seek importance in being prepared, have courage to put myself out there, and strive to do the best I could.”
Congratulations to all our MIG Students! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what impact you have next year!