08/25/2021
It's time to meet the one and only Charge d'Affaires! Today we get to learn more about our amazing Charge Matthew Fehrle, a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While you can find his recipe for success on our Instagram, we were able to get to know some more about him during an interview where we learned what it takes to be the Charge.
What is your favorite thing about said position?
Being able to work directly with the advisors and delegates has always been my favorite part of Model UN, and I have always been a huge fan of planning events with others. I also like the opportunity to send more emails as it helps me not only as a member of the club, but also as a student currently trying to get more involved with different organizations and jobs.
Why did you want to be a part of the Secretariat?
I have always wanted to help run a conference since I did Model UN in High School, and I really wanted to get involved in PSIADA since the club has done so much for me, so applying for the Secretariat was just the natural progression of me getting more involved within my passions. I always loved having correspondence with advisors back when I did Model UN in high school, so Charge was the most intriguing position for me.
What is something you think people don't realize about running PHUNC/being in the Secretariat?
Despite how simple the weekend itself can be at times, preparing for PHUNC is an extremely long process. Before schools even find out that we are going to hold PHUNC this coming fall, we have to have large outlines ready for each and every aspect of PHUNC. The Secretariat makes planning PHUNC look easy, and I could not be more proud of the wonderful team I have been working with. No effort is a solo effort, as each member of the secretariat is always willing to help each other at a moments notice. If anyone of us have a question about something we are preparing for the conference, it only takes a simple sentence and a few minutes to be presented with a response that leads us in the right direction.
What is going to set this PHUNC apart from any other?
Not to brag, but PHUNC IX has an absolute dream team of a Secretariat, and with all of us working towards the goal of bringing PHUNC IX in person this year, I think all of us are focused on nothing short of perfection. Each of us knows what must be done in order to be prepared for PHUNC, and I think that goal-focused mentality is going to help us bring the best iteration of our high-school conference to date. We are all doing this for the kids who deserve to have fun and travel doing something they love, so we know what is at stake.
What is your favorite kind of weather?
My favorite kind of weather is not even something I want to be outside in. I always love whenever there is a huge blizzard going on for almost the entire day, with snow quickly blanketing the sidewalks as you look on in awe. Everyone inside the house is focused on staying warm and cozy, as the kids are usually staring out the window wondering when they can finally go out in the snow. Something about that period of waiting is so serene and never ceases to amaze.
What is a quote that always sticks in your mind?
“It doesn't matter what you think. Here I am”
You get to pass on one piece of advice you wish someone had told you in high school- what would it be?
“It is okay to not know what you want to do with your life.” During high school, I was so preoccupied with trying to figure out every detail of my future that I did not take the time to simply live as a kid. Despite what many people may think about college, we are still really just kids finding our way in life. You have so much time to have some idea of what you want to do as an adult, so finding the time to simply do what you want and experience new things is so precious. We can never escape the flow of time, so it is important to focus on yourself and take each day as it comes.
