OJCL Torch Spring 2018 | Page 35

Explaining Latin Convention to Plebeians Ali Winter, Central Gubernator All too often when I tell my friends that I am spending a weekend at Latin convention they reply with, "Uh...What?" So here is a comprehensive guide to explaining Latin Convention to your Spanish, French, or other- language-taking amici. 1. SPIRIT Tell your friends that "spirit" means shouting in a room, for 15 minutes, very loudly, about Latin. When they inevitably respond with, "why would you do that?" Feed them to the lions as punishment for their ignorance. Or, if you do not have access to lions, compare "spirit" to their favorite sporting event, where they cheer loudly for their favored team. Spirit is the same thing, but you are cheering for your school, and bragging about your school's Latin prowess. 2. Projects/Contests Ah, projects — the reason that no, you cannot hang out the day before Convention because you have not started anything yet (oops). Explain that graphic arts projects are like those artsy assignments that teachers give their class when they feel like their class deserves a respite from never-ending speeches and papers. Creative arts are the never-ending speeches and papers. Academic tests are like normal tests, except they are always multiple choice, which means that you don't have to study because you'll probably get at least 25% anyway (just kidding though, please study or feel the wrath of your Latin teacher). Finally, Certamen is trivia, but very competitive trivia that everyone studies for. 34