The Nerd
I would like to say that I decided to take Latin because the language called to me or because I found beauty in this language spoken centuries before I was born, but I can’t. I’m not ashamed to admit that the real reason I joined Latin was because I thought it’d be easier than Spanish. It was only when I joined JCL that I truly fell in love with Latin. I didn’t fall in love with the grammar quizzes or Latin translation, but rather, with the ability of Latin to bring together a community of people who would otherwise never have met. I’ve met countless friends through the JCL, and looking back, I know for sure that my life wouldn’t be the same if I had decided to take Spanish instead.
Although it may not seem like it from the outside, we officers have been busy this past semester. From planning meetings for state convention to running Fall Forum, we’ve had our work cut out for us. In particular as historian, I’ve been busy with the photo of the month contest, which I established this past year. This contest has been very successful so far and I’ve gotten many good submissions. Most importantly, the photo of the month contest has given me a glimpse into the activities of JCL chapters from around the state and I hope that I will be able to share this glimpse with all JCL members in the future (although you can see winners on our Flickr page and on the website right now).
and myself, it actually emerged after seeing the community engage with each other. During my first year of JCL I remember looking out at the crowd of Fall Forum and Convention and realizing everyone could fit in somewhere if not everywhere. Trivia whizzes whirred away at the Certamen machines; artists that rivaled Zeuxis sketched out Roman legends, and orators eloquently articulated various Latin passages. Others strummed away at a guitar (Wonderwall), some engaged in the true convivial spirit of Rome at the dances (Darude Sandstorm), and others soared politically (I remember watching Ashley winning Hostess and instantly was instantly enamored.) Seeing all of this made me realize that no matter what your passion was, there was a way to express it through the JCL. I found that the passion exhibited by each JCLer for his or her own individual talent invigorated me, which then encouraged me to work on my own talents and express myself.
Bear with me; my heart is in Rock Eagle there with Convention, and I must pause a moment till I come back to it.
~Chris ParliamenCherian
so nerdy could be at all enjoyable. I could never have predicted that taking Latin seemingly so nerdy could be at all enjoyable. I could never have predicted that taking Latin and going to convention would open so many doors to improving leadership skills and forming friendships.
As vice-president, Praetoria has been my favorite endeavor thus far. Getting to know all the representatives was awesome, and working with Ashley is always delightful! Everyone actively listened to the informational presentations and fully engaged in brainstorming. I was impressed by many of the ideas and by the respectful environment the attendees maintained while discussing. Since Praetoria, I have been working on creating pre-made publicity forms that should make it easier to keep up with the publicity contest. I also hope to create a welcoming package of sorts to recruit schools with Latin programs into the GJCL, which would be sent out by the successive board. I hope that the current board’s contributions will be felt long after we are gone.
Semper,
Dong Yoon Jang
What famous would I have dinner with? Adam Levine before he shaved his hair. Mainly because I really enjoy music and he's pretty dang good at it.
this glimpse with all JCL members in the future (although you can see winners on our Flickr page and on the website right now).
E corde,
Eric Wang
WEBMASTER ET HISTORIAN