Bergen Community College

Student Hind Fettachi (fourth from left) led the Bergen team.

PARAMUS, N.J. – Bergen Community College students traveled to the National Model U.N. Conference in New York City this spring and returned home with two major awards.

Out of 5,000 students from more than 130 countries, Bergen Model U.N. President Hind Fettachi earned the “Outstanding Delegate” award, making her the only community college student from New Jersey to win the honor. She also led the Bergen team to “Outstanding Delegation” recognition at the conference.

“I am grateful not only for the award, but for the opportunity,” Fettachi said. “Bergen gave me a place to grow, challenge myself and pursue experiences like this. This achievement represents more than one week at a conference. It represents sacrifice, perseverance, growth, and the belief that where you start in your personal life does not define how far you can go.”

At the conference, Fettachi represented the United Arab Emirates in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Committee. In her role as head delegate, Fettachi researched and wrote proposals, session plans and speeches. The team used UAE’s official policies and diplomatic positions as a starting point so they could better understand potential allies and opposing viewpoints.

“I intentionally chose one of the most challenging committees because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself,” she said.

Aside from the awards, Fettachi believes the team’s chemistry became the lasting memory from the trip.

“We became a real team, always there for one another and encouraging each other, and celebrating each small victory together,” she said.

Fettachi also enjoyed meeting delegates from other countries, getting to know people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

“It was inspiring to exchange ideas and build friendships with people we may never have met otherwise,” she said. “Being in a place where real diplomacy happens reminded me why this work matters and inspired me to continue pursuing leadership, international affairs and opportunities that create impact.”

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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