Welcome to Springfield! This weekend will certainly be one to remember. If this is your first time attending MIG, it can be overwhelming at first, but some past and present members have some advice so your weekend goes smoothly.
It can be easy to get swept up in the weekend. While staying up late and rushing through your routine are just a part of it, there are a few guidelines you can follow to make surviving your first (or your fifth) MIG easier.
Sleep at least 4 hours every night.
Drink more water than you think you’ll need and eat at least two meals per day.
Shower daily. Your fellow delegates will thank you.
Deodorant. That is all.
You’ll never regret looking your best. Wake up that extra 10 minutes early to smooth everything out.
Don’t be afraid to meet people! Most of us feel just as awkward as you do.
Remember, it’s a learning experience. Take risks and don’t be afraid to get something wrong. Ask questions!
Keep it civil. When you harass or bully other delegates, you’re the only one who looks bad.
Go to the get-togethers. Just because people are hanging out in an Executive Board member's suite doesn’t mean first-years aren’t allowed.
Enjoy yourself! College is crammed full of stressful deadlines and exams. Use this weekend as a way to learn something new but also as a little bit of time away from the daily grind.
As always, myself and the rest of the e-board are here to make sure you have the best possible experience at Simulation. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any one of us if you need something.
Have a great time!
Lizzie Roehrs
Governor
Another MIG weekend is upon us and I can't help but get excited at the memories that will be made by all those that have chosen to participate in this wonderful simulation. I credit MIG with helping me find a voice I once thought lost, a confidence I never thought I could have and friendships that have become more like family. Every year I say to myself this is my last year but here I am once again ready to throw myself into all this weekend has to offer. That is what this organization does, it brings you in and becomes such a huge part of your life that you want to keep experiencing it in different ways. I served three years on the executive board, Secretary of State. President of the Senate and of course Governor, I have served twice as a staff member and twice as a Senate Republican in committee 3. Every experience was different with it's own challenges but all apart of what makes this organization so great. Be bold, embrace all this weekend has to offer, take risks and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. There is a slogan called Built Ford tough. I think it should say Built MIG tough. Go be MIG tough.
Shankana "KeKe" Kirksey-Miller
Governor's Staff
Past Governor & Secretary of State
If there's one piece of advice I give every year, it's this: enjoy yourself. You're spending a weekend among like-minded individuals in a gorgeous building and flexing your debate muscles- something that not many other people get the chance to do. I think people take MIG too serious at times, and end up having hurt feelings or causing others to have a less than stellar time. Nobody is going to remember that one really amazing point you made on the floor, but everyone will remember all of the laughs and frustrations of the weekend. If an election doesn't go your way, try not to hold onto that bitterness all weekend. Trust me, I've lost my fair share and had a much more fulfilling time just enjoying myself and elevating others once I realized that being angry that someone beat me was just childish.
Enjoy yourself, elevate others, let go of the bitterness, and respect your fellow delegates, faculty, and the chambers.
With warmest regards,
Logan Creen
Governor's Staff
Former LT. Governor, House staff, and Senate delegate
My advice for incoming MIG people is to remember that although we are debating heavy, sometimes extremely controversial topics, it is a simulation at the end of the day. Do not let political views and party affiliation stop you from being friends with people. You can make some great friends throughout the weekend, so don’t let that opportunity pass because of politics!
Paige Leonard
AG Chief of Staff
Just be yourself and be confident of your simulation because it’s a best ability I can do and focus on your bills and budgets. Most of the time just look good for yourself because it will have most advantage of winning something for outstanding delegation like winning the outstanding largest delegation and it will help a lot. Basically I help a lot delegates from NEIU and turns out it helps me a lot. So my advice is start gather all delegates and work hard.
Angelo C. Alto 2002-2008 Triton college & NEIU Model Illinois government Former Bureau of the Budget Director (OMB) 2005-2006
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