Eighteen Farmingdale State College (FSC) students recently had an exceptional opportunity to learn about global civics through an educational immersion trip to the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City.  

Led by the Nexus Center Office of Community & Civic Engagement (OCCE), the entire experience was sponsored by the Office of the Provost and a FSC Students First Campus Grant, including transportation via the Long Island Railroad and lunch. Open to all FSC students, the trip received an outstanding response with more than 50 applicants. Participants were selected on a first-come, first-serve basis and were joined by Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, PhD, OCCE director and professor of global affairs and politics, and Library Director Karen Gelles.  

“Farmingdale State College has consistently fostered a supportive environment for students interested in learning about global issues,” said Muhammad Abdullah Atif, ’25, a computer science major. “I feel that Farmingdale State College has actively created opportunities for civic engagement and has encouraged students to participate in these events…because of these initiatives, more students are participating and gaining greater awareness about global civics.”  

Student participants gained a deeper understanding of the United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how these areas serve as interdisciplinary guides to connecting their area of study and civic engagement to larger issues affecting the world. The students also toured the UN’s Security Council, General Assembly, and Secretariat.  

Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN is an international organization that was founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, give humanitarian assistance to those in need, protect human rights, and uphold international law. The UN system, composed of offices and organizations around the world, has four main offices: New York (UN Headquarters), Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. 

“This was an incredible chance for interested students to engage with global issues and enhance their educational experience,” said Odugbesan-Omede.

Student Perspectives 

“The artwork inside the United Nations building is fascinating and inspiring, holding deep meanings,” said Abdullah Atif. “At one point, I found myself captivated by the magnificent artwork, which conveys profound messages. 

“Visiting the General Assembly was the highlight of the trip,” he added. “It is the most renowned section of the United Nations, where global leaders meet to discuss world issues. I particularly enjoyed learning about the history of the United Nations and how it was established after World War II to promote global peace and stability.” 

“My favorite part of the trip was meeting with the UN employees, Kathryn Good and Felipe Queipo Rego, for a discussion session,” said Melina Pascual, ’26, a professional communications major and business management and English literature minor, who is also pursuing a Community and Civic Engagement Microcredential. “I really enjoyed learning about the UN in a classroom setting. I felt they were very knowledgeable not only about the UN, but about important topics around the world. I felt this experience was very personal and allowed me to participate in an immersive and productive discussion. This was also an opportunity for me to ask any questions I had and learn of ways to become involved with the UN in the future.” 

“This experience has deepened my commitment to civic engagement and advocacy,” said Taya Duminy, ‘25, a business management major with a Certificate in Human Resource Management. “Witnessing the importance of global unity and dialogue has inspired me to be more involved in initiatives that foster change, both in my local community and on an international scale. It’s a reminder that even as individuals, we have the power to contribute to meaningful progress and uplift others.” 

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