A Bittersweet Farewell
To be quite honest, I don’t remember when Latin became a part of me. One day, I was breezing through the Latin 1; the next day, I’m applying to all my colleges as an intended Classics major. We all have our origin stories with the Classics. Some stem from the bland classroom made flavorful through the study of Ancient Greece and Rome, while others bloom in the effervescence of that one weekend in April, the Latin (Nerd) Convention.
I often struggle to articulate the importance of the GJCL, because there is no sole answer. When I recall that the GJCL has taught me to “yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them,” it slips my mind that perhaps above all, “where there is unity, there is victory.” The multifaceted nature of this organization, although inundating at times, allows anyone to find something unique and compelling that no other club offers.
When you’ve been on the board since October of 2013, you definitely notice the changes in the officers’ personalities, the board’s work ethic, and the group dynamic as the new succeeds the old. What remains static, however, is the drive to benefit the Georgia Junior Classical League and to share the fruits of the organization with as many people as possible.
possible. This drive is definitely one of the most defining characteristics of the current board. You can talk to Dong Yoon about the success of Praetoria this year, to Chris about the huge changes to our Constitution, or even to Eric about a new contest designed to promote photography and publicity (although I don’t know why anyone would want to talk to Eric).
And me? Well, you can talk to me about Fall Forum. Ever since Blessed Trinity hosted the GJCL’s Fall Forum this past October, I have felt compelled to share the information I have acquired on how to plan a victorious Fall Forum. Therefore, it is my goal to publish to the entire NJCL a guide detailing the Fall Forum process before the end of my officer years. Thinking about my bittersweet graduation from this organization motivates me even more to leave something to benefit people, regardless of age, height, or language taken during high school, just as the GJCL has taught me to do.
E corde,
Ashley Choo-Hen
Prez ET VICE PREZ