Interview with NJCL 2nd VP, Trini Kechkian
What was it like running for NJCL Office?
Stressful. I felt like the whole time I had to be campaigning, but it actually turned out to be really rewarding to meet all these people. Because usually at nats, I meet a couple people each time I go. But this time, I really had to meet a bunch of people and branch out from my friend group and state.
What’s been different about being a National instead of State officer?
When you’re a state officer, what you’re doing is organizing the whole year for your state. You’re essentially organizing how your state is going to compete against other state. However, as a national officer, you organize the competition itself. For example, instead of submitting to State of the Season, I get to run State of the Season. It’s less competitive and a lot more fun.
What’s been your favorite part about being a National Officer?
The board and the committee. They’re so fun! They’re so much fun, they’re just such cool people. Travelling to fall planning meeting and spring planning meeting, it’s just so cool to see these people and get to see the campus before you get there in the summer. You get to see the whole behind the scenes of organizing a week long convention. It really makes you appreciate all the people behind it .
What are you looking for when it comes to Spirit this year?
This goes for every single year, but unity is always a big part of spirit. As a state officer, I noticed the National 2nd VP always looked for unity, it’s a very pronounced category when juding. Whether that comes in the form of costumes, props or cheers, unity is the biggest part of spirit.
Favorite JCL Memory?
My first nationals at Wake Forest. It was really strange because I feel like for most people, they don’t really get to meet that many people at their first nationals. A couple friends and I decided to have a meetup for people who wanted to meet other people. We were just these superconfident 7th graders organizing a meetup at their first nationals ever. I got to meet a lot of people I kept in contact with for a couple years, some of whom I still keep in contact with.
Favorite Latin Author?
Ovid, I love Ovid so much. My favorite work of his are the Amores. I love the description of elegiac couplet as missing a foot from every other line since they were stolen by Cupid, it’s just so great.
Do you have anything to say to first time convention goers?
I’m always surprised when people tell me they didn’t meet anyone new at their 1st convention, since, like I said, I did. So you just branch out, don’t be afraid to approach people. This is kind of a sneak peek, but this national convention we will have a first time convention goer meet up so definitely go to that and you’ll meet some people that hopefully you’ll go to other conventions and you’ll get to see every year.
School: Flint Hill School
Grade: 12th
Level of Latin: Post-AP
Planning on attending Yale University