What is it like to be a volunteer at the United Nations?

When I was in elementary school, I participated in a Model United Nations event and had the opportunity to visit the UN General Assembly Hall. From that moment on, I became deeply fascinated by the United Nations. To me, it has always been the most prestigious international stage, representing humanity’s shared ideals of peace and development.

I have long aspired to contribute to this organization that transcends national borders and cultures—whether by participating in global efforts to eradicate poverty, promoting international cooperation on climate change, or seeking solutions to humanitarian crises. However, as I grew older, I realized that securing a job or even an internship at the UN is highly competitive. This led me to consider another path—becoming a UN volunteer.

Last summer, I came across a recruitment notice on the UN’s official WeChat account. The program aimed to teach STEM concepts to rural elementary school girls, helping them understand cutting-edge technologies and inspiring their interest in science. Although I’m a humanities student with limited knowledge in this field, I applied out of admiration for the cause—and was fortunate enough to be accepted.

The organizing body provided well-structured course materials and lesson plans, so I didn’t have to spend too much time preparing. Still, before my first class, I felt nervous—I worried the children wouldn’t like me, and I doubted whether my knowledge would be sufficient. Despite my anxiety, I conducted my first lesson. To my surprise, it was a success. The students were highly engaged, eagerly asking questions and participating in discussions.

When I introduced them to AI, I invited them to ask ChatGPT questions. As GPT quickly responded on the shared screen, the entire class lit up with amazement. In that moment, I felt deeply moved—I realized the true significance of volunteering and the impact of sharing knowledge in my spare time.

My time with the children passed quickly, but the experience left a lasting impression. In the future, I will continue applying for United Nations volunteer programs, hoping to make even a small difference in the world through my efforts.