OJCL Torch Winter Torch 2020 | Page 21

Looking Back on the OJCL By Deidre Carroll (Saint Ursula Academy) As I think about my time in OJCL, I always come back to the memory of being on the bus. Convention is of course the highlight but the moments before this exciting celebration of the Classics starts with a simple yellow vehicle. The suspense and the excitement build as we embark on the journey to Convention. Excited voices shouting our school cheers. Snacks being passed around as we prepare to survive off of sugar for the weekend. Last minute coloring of the multitude of cheer signs. I think of all the moments that led to this one. I recall the service events as we lugged mulch up a hill that resembled a steep cliff to our tired eyes. Because of our efforts we cleared a new trail and created a safe walking path for people to use. I smile as I think about the many items we collected for our personal care drive that helped those in our Cincinnati community. When we weren’t participating in service events, we were working on preparing our projects or writing the scripts for the music video or skit. All of these events have had the higher purpose of bonding us together as a club and creating a sense of family in our OJCL chapter. It is ironic that a language that is known as “dead” can inspire such life in our bubble of Ohio. As OJCLers showing off their musical talent Convention slowly approaches, we are once again reminded of the importance of not only the Classics but of supporting each other and creating a lifelong bond of friendship. page 20