Name: Ava Bee Masterson

Social Justice Group: 2023-2024, Beauty Standards and the Media

Date of Fieldwork: January 12, 2024

Name of Organization and person (people) with whom you met and their title(s):United Nation

Type of Fieldwork: [69]

What I did and what I learned about my topic, activism, social justice work or civil and human rights work from this fieldwork?:

On Janurary 12th my grade visited the United Nations. There we saw the rooms that have witnessed the trajectory of countries all over the world. Our groups all split up and were taken through the UN by our lovely tour guides. I learned that when you come to resolutions by a vote, you only need to get a majority to agree to proceed with it (for the most part). I learned the Security Council’s president, which is currently France, alternates every month as well– it’s fascinating how complex and grand the system in the UN is. It was interesting to observe the reserved seats for each ‘state’, just imagining all the important people that have sat in them was truly special.

I enjoyed seeing the various art pieces scattered about the building. I remember in the lobby there were portraits of different Secretary Generals made from silk fabric, very avant-garde. There was this plant with a little sweater on its branches, not something I’d expect to see in the United Nations- again in the lobby. Not to mention the beautiful sculptures outside the building, full of history in America (I think).
Overall I enjoyed this trip, and will certainly remember it for years to come. Thank you for taking us to the UN!