OJCL Torch Winter 2018 | Page 29

Introducing the JCL Coalition of Small States Garrett Frye-Mason, NMJCL 1st VP, JCLCSS Student Ambassador and Founder It is with truly the highest honor that I once again write to your wonderful Torch. First off, I would just like to extend a gigantic thank you to the OJCL and its board. Your immense kindness is simply unbelievable, and Bryn and I cannot wait to attend your convention in March. It truly means the world to us. One of by far the most spectacular aspects of the JCL is the absolutely amazing national community that it has fostered, a community that I am so appreciative to be a part of. After meeting so many new people and cherishing this community at last summer’s NJCL convention, I felt that I had a truly unique opportunity to help further expand it and make it better for everybody. Although many states, such as Ohio, have large state JCLs and conventions, others (like my home state of NM) simply do not have the membership/resources to fully engage in the wonderful community of the JCL. We may have just as much passion and love for the classics as anyone else, but the circumstances of our states still prevent us from some aspects of the JCL. Being from the tiny NMJCL, I learned firsthand of many of these struggles, but luckily, through truly incredible camaraderie and spirit from across the country, these struggles are beginning to lessen. 28