Lyra Sheng: Debate enthusiast

In middle school, junior Lyra Sheng lived and breathed speech and debate. So, naturally, once she arrived at high school, she sought out Model United Nations at the competitive level.

Now, as the vice president of the club, Sheng believes that Model UN and other political activities provide her with useful tools for a prospective political career, and — even more so — for the rest of her life.

“My involvement in politics-related clubs has strengthened both my media literacy and my understanding of opinions I may not agree with, as well as my empathy for those opinions,” Sheng said. “I believe that allows me to fulfill my role in this democracy more effectively.”

Sheng believes that participating in programs like Model UN equips students with essential tools for success, especially for our younger generation.

“I think the political and media literacy skills that can be gained from [political extracurriculars] are incredibly important to helping us understand how our society functions today,” Sheng said.