Matthew Hanzel

When the names were first handed over to me—through their essays and TOEFL scores, I didn’t know what to expect. A few weeks later, and after all the hard work, they returned to their hometowns, as winners. Seeing their grow has been humbling, and it made me proud as well. Knowing that they won added to the happiness. But to know these amazing individuals was indeed an honor. Seeing those who have their first MUN experience here, from not knowing to knowing a lot.

Gladly, in the midst of all problems, when all the stones were thrown at them, they pushed forth, and found ways to survive the hailstorm. In the end, it was not only about the win, it is all about what you have learned, and how much you take them to your lives. “You can only connect the dots by looking backward,” so said Steve Jobs. Hopefully, after all of these, you can connect the dots, and see the reason why.

I thank my best coaching partner Theresia, all friends and colleagues, and of course importantly, these great ten delegates. Walk on through your life path with greatness, and may our paths cross again sometime in the future.