Representing Honduras: Kaitlyn Crowley's Journey Through the Washington Model OAS
Eleven Tulane students traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Washington Model OAS in April. This unique opportunity allowed college students to experience how the Organization of the American States General Assembly works. Each participating delegation represented a different country, and this time, we were assigned to Honduras. Kaitlyn Crowley and Ava Gutierrez wrote about their experiences. Read Kaitlyn’s reflection below and find Ava’s chronicle here.
Written by Kaitlyn Crowley
Motion for the delegation of Honduras to be added to the speaking list.
Throughout the Washington Model of the Organization of the American States (OAS), that’s who I was: the delegation of Honduras. Back at Tulane University, however, my name is Kaitlyn Crowley, and I’m a sophomore studying political science. Given my major, it was natural that I gravitated towards this experience when it presented by my professor, James Huck.
My fellow classmates and I spent the semester learning about the economic, social, and political background of Honduras in order to prepare our draft resolutions – papers that were meant to address a specific issue plaguing Latin America. My partner and I created a resolution to address homicide rates by decreasing illicit firearms trafficking.
Once in Washington, our first day was filled with nothing but excitement. Walking into the official OAS building, I felt like a little kid playing dress up, only, this time, I was a college kid playing diplomat. This feeling was only augmented by there being a real-life crisis upon our arrival, which ended with Mexico cutting diplomatic ties with Ecuador after the Ecuadorian police got into the Mexican Embassy in Quito without permission to capture former president Jorge Glass. This hubbub was followed by a speech by the Secretary General, which was awe-inspiring to say the least.
The following days were spent trying to pass our resolutions by obtaining votes and signatures from the other delegates. We all sat around a big table debating a range of topics that included sex trafficking, gun violence, border security, and more. It was one of the first times that I felt like a “real adult” – sitting in a room with other students my age, wearing business professional, and only talking in the first person. The formalities were extremely pronounced, yet, at the same time, we all managed to have a bit of fun along the way.
Outside the conference rooms, the delegates all found harmony in one another. We were all college students around the same age who shared a passion for the world around us. It was a breeding ground for friendship. There were students, quite literally, from all over the world who I never would have met outside this experience.
Overall, this trip was once in a lifetime. Between experiencing real diplomats at work, vying with other students to get our resolutions passed, and making long-lasting friendships, Washington Model OAS was an experience that I will never forget. I would highly recommend other students to take this opportunity, regardless of their major.
