Appel and John got the opportunity to speak to six individuals who are
experts in their respective fields in human development.
NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER / COURTESY
By Jill Tuthill, Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Olivia Appel and Aaron John represented Manhattan University at the United Nations Day of the Poor on Nov. 15, an event hosted by Caritas Internationalis, Fordham University and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
According to Appel, a senior philosophy and peace and justice studies major, and John, a freshman psychology major, each host sponsored various speakers that provided insight on trends regarding human rights and resources.
Fordham’s speakers focused on the spiritual aspects of issues affecting people around the world including food, religion and the housing crisis.
“They did talk about the housing crisis and that it was getting a little better, because the requirements to have a house were that you have to have four solid walls and a solid ceiling,” Appel said. “And a lot of countries have been improving in that sense. They also had a career panel talk, which was really interesting.”
Appel’s testimony was reflected in The Good Newsroom’s coverage of the event.
According to the website, it was, “Held at the Church Center for the United Nations on First Avenue in Manhattan, more than 100 academics, graduate students, and representatives of charities including Caritas Internationalis and Catholic Relief Services attended the World Day of the Poor event on Friday, November 15.”
Appel and John got the opportunity to speak to six individuals who all were experts in their respective fields in human development. This included individuals who were employees at a range of institutions, such as the Red Cross, Caritas Internationalis and Good Shepherd Services, a local Bronx-based organization that aids young students by providing tutors. One of the speakers was also an employee of the UN security council.
At the end of the conference, Appel, John and other student representatives were invited to tour the United Nations headquarters directly adjacent to the event.
“We represented Manhattan University, because graciously enough, we were invited by the Catholic Relief Services since they reached out, because they know Brother Dan very well,” John said. “I’m a freshman on the soccer team and I’ve just been talking to him and building a relationship with him.”
Appel went on to tell The Quadrangle why she’d recommend the experience to any interested students.
“I would definitely recommend it, for sure,” Appel said. “I think it’s a very, very cool experience with an opportunity to see where all the work takes place for a lot of social movements and human rights movements especially. I definitely do recommend it if any student gets the opportunity, especially if they’re interested in international studies at all. The UN is a pinnacle example of that.”
Appel also went on to say that the experience is excellent for those interested in this type of work for their career after college graduation.
“Definitely the entire experience is a great experience for networking as well, if you’re interested in this type of field work, because a lot of people from different organizations and different United Nation departments were there,” Appel said. “You would be able to introduce yourself, get cards and hopefully get internships as well.”
Appel also noted that there is an excess of personal benefits in going to the event and representing a university.
“I think the overall experience was very heartwarming to meet other people that have this hope for a better future for our world, and seeing people actively wanting to make a change and seek change was very good,” Appel said.