Welcome to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations! I am really looking forward to meeting all of you and discussing some very interesting and relevant topics about United States current foreign affairs. I hope that you are all excited to spend Harvard Model Congress 2012 learning about the political process, engaging in debate, and getting to know the wonderful city of Boston. During this year’s conference, we will be making some important decisions about decreasing fraud within the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. We will also discuss ways to improve U.S. relations with Brazil, a country that is emerging economically. These subjects, among others, promise to bring diverse opinions to the table, and I expect that you’ll enjoy researching them throughout the next several months.
I hope that all of you are as excited as I am to explore these fascinating topics and experience government through HMC in Boston. The conference is an amazing opportunity to learn about current events, meet intelligent and passionate students from around the country, and develop an appreciation for the way that the American democracy works. The key to making the most of your time in Boston is really getting involved in discussion by taking risks, speaking up, and sharing your ideas. This conference is far more than just committee meetings and full sessions—it is also an opportunity to bond with your delegation, test your comfort zone when speaking in front of an audience, and make friends from all regions of the country.
A little bit about myself—I am a junior concentrating in Government with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. Outside of class and HMC, I’m in the Harvard College Global Health and AIDS Coalition, participate in South Asian dance shows, and I am a volunteer with Health Leads. In my spare time I enjoy watching Disney movies, running, doing yoga, and a good dose of Modern Family.
I encourage you to start thinking about your role as a Senator—try to remain informed about current political issues. Reading the paper everyday just to keep in tune with what is going on will make a huge difference when you come to Boston and participate in committee and full session.
I am extremely excited to be chairing the Committee on Foreign Relations, and I look forward to meeting you at the conference in February. If you would like to introduce yourself or have any questions before then, please e-mail me!
Best,