Lindsey Ballo ’12

Name: Lindsey Ballo
Year: Junior
Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin 

How did you get involved with the United Nations?
 
I became involved with the UN on a very random whim. I was looking for something to do that I didn’t think I would be able to reach; a project of some sorts. I like to reach high, sometimes higher than I should. This means that I am rejected usually, as expected, more than I am accepted or achieve what I set out to do, but for me, that is what keeps the cycle going. I keep applying myself and when I do succeed or don’t, I just have to keep going. Luckily in this instance, I applied online and was accepted as a Youth Delegate in the organization Sustainable Youth.
 
What do you do for them?
 
As stated, I was a Youth Delegate, and served as an Ambassador of sorts for the United States. I made sure to extensively research the topic (this year was Poverty Eradication on the Global Scale). I sat in delegation and was able to meet over 100 ambassadors from 100 different countries, speaking their native language. I wore these great headphones that tie you to an interpreter phrasing everything the speaker is saying in English, Chinese, Afrikaans, German – you name it, they spoke it. Amazing.
 
Can you tell me a little bit about your recent UN trip to New York?
 
My trip to the UN was more than I could’ve asked for. It opened my eyes to policy made on the global scale, and why legislation moves so slowly. Getting two people to agree is hard enough; try getting the world to agree. I stayed with friends who go to Juilliard, and was able to see the city from a musician’s perspective. Everything moves too fast there, but if you offer a smile and are sincere, New Yorkers are grateful. They’re a great group of people, and I really enjoyed their company and energy.
 
What’s next for you and the UN?
 
Well, it’s tough to say. I hope to be able to join the UN as a Youth Delegate again next year, and attain an internship with their agency in New York or abroad. I also was able to speak with Amnesty International, a sort of sister agency who ensures and protects people’s rights to a just and fair life. I feel like I must keep going and am grateful to have this opportunity go so well. People around the world must have a voice through organizations like the UN, like Amnesty International, and if I can help make a difference and fight for the voiceless, I will do everything in my power to do so.