Merchant Madness: Silk Road, 77 BC
Departing from ancient China in 77 BCE, this band of merchants seek to cross the Silk Road in search of profits, money, and gold. They’ll leave their homes in search of exploration, glory, and wealth… but mostly because the Emperor ordered them to. They will cross Central Asia, venture through the Parthian Empire, and hopefully make it to the mystical city of Rome. With the help of many interpreters along the way, they will learn about the many cultures who live along the route, who trade in religions, languages, and ideas just as much as commodities. They might even learn that money isn’t everything — but don’t count on it. Exploring ancient Central Asia will allow all committee participants to respect the complex heritage and legacy of the Silk Road while also changing it to support their end goals — and cutting sweet deals on silk, ivory, and tigers along the way. This committee will bring the Silk Road to life as more than just a trade route but as a nexus of technology, travel, and diplomacy. Delegates will have the opportunity to test their economic chops through both merchant and mercantile activity, as well as to engage in cross-cultural exchanges and adapt to new challenges on the winding Silk Road.
Cara Wilson
Chair
Cara Wilson is a fourth-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Public Policy and Archaeology. Yes, they have been on an archaeological dig, and no they did not see dinosaur bones. Ask them about ancient Phoenician pottery though, and they’ll be talking for hours.
Last year they served as Director of Delegate Affairs for ChoMUN XXVII and they have previously served as a Chair for China in the Warlords Era as well as chairing and moderating for our high school conference, MUNUC. Cara will be working in nuclear security this summer and is passionate about de-proliferation and other security and peace concerns which are hopefully not relevant to this committee.
In their free time, Cara works as a barista and heavily judges people’s coffee orders while also serving as the co-president of the Arabic Magazine at UChicago, Majalla. Cara can’t wait to see what delegates bring to their last committee ever! On the upside, they hope to never hear the words moderated caucus again! You can reach them at carawislon@uchicago.edu.
Eric Olaizola
Crisis Director
Eric Olaizola is a fourth-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Economics and in Law, Letters, and Society. He has long since given up on explaining what any of that means. Last year he served as the Chief of Staff for ChoMUN XXVII and previously served as the Crisis Director for The Saffron Resurrection: The Maratha Confederacy, 1761. He also has served as a chair for MUNUC, the college’s high school conference.
In his free time, he likes to watch Formula One and pretend he’s going to watch all those movies he’s been meaning to. Eric is beyond ecstatic to cross the silk road with you all and watch the hijinks that ensue. If you have any questions you can find him at eolaizola@uchicago.edu
Cissy Choy
CRISIS DIRECTOR
Cissy Choy is a fourth-year student majoring in Creative Writing and Data Science. Originally from Shanghai, Cissy is defeated by the Chicago winter every year but still thinks that next year will be a good year (at least the Palmer House will always be cozy!).
Outside of ChoMUN, Cissy is also active in UChicago’s high school MUN conference MUNUC, where she serves as the Chief Strategy Officer. MUN aside, Cissy is active within UChicago’s Writing Workshop, Center for Leadership and Involvement, and Data Science department.
In her free time, she is jotting down her sixtieth unfinished short story idea, (poorly) playing the piano, and trying to bake without a recipe then complaining when she fails.
Secretariat oversight:
Francisco Gutierrez, Under-secretary-general