My First Nationals Experience
Hanna Zandvakili, OJCL South Gubernator
This past summer, I was able to have the experience of a
lifetime by going to my very first National Latin Convention in Troy,
Alabama. I always saw my sister traveling to Nationals at all of these
college campuses, having the time of her life, and I’d already had great
experiences of my own at state convention. So when the summer after
my sophomore year came around, I knew this was something I
wanted to experience as well, and man, that was one of the best
decisions I had ever made.
At first I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to make friends of
my own, besides those within my own delegation. After the first two
days, however, I found myself making more and more friends each
day through all the activities and even just meeting people in the
dining hall. It wasn’t until I realized one afternoon that I wasn’t
walking with anyone from my own state that I understood how
friendly and welcoming ALL the JCLers are, not just those in my
own state. Soon I was at all the meals, walking around, doing service
and having a great time at the dances with people from so many
different places. I thought that maybe it was just because we were all
there together that I was making new friends, and at points I didn’t
know whether or not those friendships would continue outside of the
convention. My questions were answered after convention: I still talk
and stay in contact with many people I met there.
Not only are there great friendships built at convention, but
there are also many amazing projects submitted each year. Many
students share their love for the classics through graphic and creative
arts, the same as we do at state convention. Personally, I gravitated
towards the graphic arts, where I submitted multiple projects; I did
place for a few of them. For me, that was a great feeling : the hard
work I had put into sharing my love for the classics was recognized
on an even larger scale than at state convention.
All in all this, trip to Troy, Alabama was one of the best
experiences I’ve ever had, and I couldn't have asked for a better state
to be a part of while sharing my love for the classics.
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