Why you can't compete with Capricorn delegates (and that's okay)

We all came across a Capricorn delegate at least once in our MUN journey. You know, the one who is always on their A-game, best dressed, dropping some political facts that we, the Muggles of MUN, can only be impressed with. Capricorn delegates excel at making the rest of the committee feel like they could have done better research, picked a better outfit, and prepared a better opening speech.

In fact, the typical Capricorn delegate is so sharp that you may question the purpose of their presence in an intermediate-level committee. Well, the answer to that is simple. Capricorn delegates do not come to play. They come to MUN conferences with one goal in mind only: getting that Best Delegate award.

Can they ever get distracted from their goal? Absolutely no chance. Caps are not here for the MUN drama nor for gossip. In fact, they may use the gossip box for the sole purpose of expressing their resentment towards delegates (or chairs) who did not apply the RoPs correctly.

As an organizer, you know very well that Capricorn delegates are not those who will attend a conference “just for fun” or hit that “apply” button on mymun out of impulse or spontaneity. Nope, Caps always have a well-detailed plan. If they bless your conference with their presence, you can be sure that you are just another stop on their one-way journey to world domination.

Although Capricorns trust no one, Capricorn chairs do trust one thing: the delegate statistics on MUN Command, a.k.a their all-time favourite feature on the Conference App. That is the only way they will decide the awards, so there is no need to bribe them with morning snacks or coffee. They are absolutely incorruptible.

However, if you ever want to impress your Capricorn chair, we would highly suggest you use facts, figures, and rationality over emotions and idealism. Feelings are just not a concept for them.

First of all, congrats on all the awards: the ones you already won and the ones that are yet to come! We know how important those are for you, and we think you definitely should be proud!

Although we do admire your MUN skills and your legendary ability to focus on your (ambitious) goals, you may want to let loose a little bit and enjoy the fun of MUN instead of running after the next award. Perhaps you should attend the next social not just for ‘networking’ purposes but to give bounding with your fellow delegates a chance. Maybe you should join that conga line dance. Perhaps you too should let your chairs drag you to the karaoke corner where people are singing “Take me Home, Country Roads” (yes, we know, for the 39th time probably if you’re attending a Central European conference).

All jokes aside, although MUNs can open doors to incredible opportunities, nothing beats the friendships and the memories created at 3 am on the dancefloor of a foreign nightclub, in the streets of an unknown city, or in the staircase of a low-cost hotel in the middle of nowhere. Your MUN journey is only as fun and meaningful as you make it. So next time, when the social night is in full swing, and the DJ plays ‘Jalebi Baby’ for the umpteenth time, we hope to see all our Capricorn friends at the centre of the stage showing off their best dance moves!

About the author: Daria Kisseleva is a living MUN legend in Europe and Asia. As a frequent chair, she has probably experienced every possible type of MUNer by now. She explains the behaviour of MUNers with their zodiac signs and volunteered to share this unique perspective and experience with the MUN community here. Daria is currently finishing her Master's Degree in International Development and International Affairs at Science Po in Paris, France.