In eighth grade, I ran for parliamentarian. It was intimidating and frankly terrifying to stand in front of everyone and give my speech, but no one was malicious or even the slightest bit rude, the NCJCL lifted me up and gave me a place to serve in the organization I had come to love. Serving on the board these past three years has changed my life for the better, I have made countless friends, grown as a person, and learned how to better support others. If you have been waiting for a sign to get more involved, I hope this one is clear enough, there is a space on the NCJCL Executive Board for you. Whether your interests are in website design, spirit, or simply in growing your leadership skills, there is a position for you. Reach out to former board members and those you are about to swear in for the 2021-2022 board. I promise everyone will be excited to get to know you and help you in your endeavors.
While bittersweet, in writing this I have had many fond memories come back to bless my mind. I will always be thankful for the last five years that I have been in the JCL. I can not believe it has already been so many years but I also can not remember my life without the JCL. The JCL truly has become my second family and while this may be my last year as a JCLer, this is not goodbye. To all the other seniors this year, I know the last two years of our JCL experience have not been how one would expect. I commend your resilience and commitment that has kept you involved despite being entirely virtual. I thank you for continuing your time in the JCL and passing on your love for the classics to the next batch of students. I encourage you to stay involved. Wherever you are going to college, there is a JCL nearby, there is a state convention that needs volunteers, and there is an SCL waiting for you to join them. To the Latin one students experiencing the JCL for the first time, welcome, I am so glad you are here and can not wait to see all that you accomplish.
Thank you all for the JCLove you have shown me, thank you for being the second family I will always hold near to my heart, thank you for a wonderful five years. Thank you to my first Latin teacher, Dr. Clark, who always had a song to sing and a fun mythology story to tell. Thank you to Magistra Lido who continues to foster my Latin education and encourages me not to give up when translating Virgil. Thank you to all of the adult chairs on the executive board, this organization would not function without you, I will forever be indebted to the dedication and compassion you have shown to each and every one of us. Thank you to my fellow officers, thank you for your commitment to the JCL and to making the world a better place.
I JCLove every single one of you.
Multas gratias tibi ago et valete omnes, ex animo,
Harper de Andrade
NCJCL President 2020-2021
Farewell from the President
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