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.
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