The home page of Harvard Model Congress San Francisco’s website. Photo courtesy of sophomore reporter Leonardo DeTurris.
Harvard Model Congress, or “HMC” is one of San Luis Obispo High School’s numerous clubs. But what is it exactly, and what does it have to do with politics? Expressions asked a couple members of HMC’s student staff about what HMC is and what it’s about.
Expressions: What specific ideas or skills does HMC teach students?
HMC Vice-President Mary Zawalick: Harvard Model Congress allows students to come to a collaborative conference in San Francisco. These students take on the “role” of a real person in government, and they work with other students to craft solutions to real political issues. This teaches students how the government runs and helps them develop skills of public speaking, teamwork, and problem solving.
HMC Vice-President Camilo Baltodano: Perhaps the most important skill that HMC teaches students is to speak extemporaneously. Being able to speak on demand is key to many professions and I feel like HMC really helps to establish that within students. In terms or ideas, HMC teaches students about the US government and its three branches.
Expressions: What are the benefits of going to an in person model congress to learn about our government?
Zawalick: I think that this in-person setting allows you to learn by doing and get hands-on experience in government, which is very unique to have in high school. Seeing how governmental processes work allows for a more comprehensive understanding of political science than if it was learned from a textbook. HMC 2021 and 2022 were on zoom, and it was a pretty good substitute to the in-person conference. However, I am very excited to engage again in the real-life collaboration with others that I experienced in 9th grade.
Baltodano: The major benefit is that you are able to see for yourself how government works (on a fairly basic level) and that person can then apply that knowledge to follow along with current political and governmental issues.
Expressions: Do you think HMC prepares kids for a career in government or politics?
Zawalick: Definitely! At SLOHS, students don’t take US history until junior year and students don’t take government until senior year. HMC lets students start learning about and engaging in government when they are underclassmen so they can find their interests early in high school.
Baltodano: I wouldn’t say that HMC is a direct line to a career in politics; however, it sure is a great start to learn and grow.
Expressions: Personally, what are your favorite parts of HMC?
Zawalick: I love getting to know different people from all over the world. I have met people from Turkey, Honduras, and all over the United States. HMC is a great way to learn about government, develop confidence and essential skills, and make new friends!
Baltodano: As someone who hopes to enter into the legal professional one day, HMC is great for developing my analytical and intellectual skills. I am part of the Supreme Court special committee in HMC which means that I am able to act as a pretend lawyer or justice; both of which are great prep for future legal careers.
HMC is a way kids can begin to learn about the world of politics and understand clearly how our government works, through hands-on interactions. HMC San Francisco is set for January 13-15th, and many of our own SLOHS students will go to learn about our government.
