GWEN JACOBSON
GWEN JACOBSON
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MEET vjcl member
MEET vjcl member
GWEN JACOBSON
There was a lottery among the first one thousand students who signed up to be on the Torch: U.S. mailing list. The chosen student would be featured on this issue with an interview. Gwen Jacobson was chosen!
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Salvete! My name is Gwen Jacobson, a senior from the Virginia JCL. In my junior year, I was VJCL parliamentarian, and I've been involved in certamen for all four years.
Meeting so many new people at my own school and around the state and country. As cliche as it may sound, the JCL was integral to the addition of many wonderful people in my life. The JCL is a hub for people who share a passion for classics, and this sense of community is my favorite part about this organization.
Being in the JCL helped me find balance with the introversion that has been so deeply engrained in me. Honestly, human interaction wasn't always my forte. The JCL helped me branch out, and as I became more
involved, I could feel myself growing more open to new people. The organization provides a perfect setting for that whether people gather for Certamen, convention or other events. Thus, I think the JCL prepared me very well to step out into the world and insert myself into situations that I normally wouldn't have been a part of. It taught me to want more than just to stand along the sidelines and watch things unfold.
Go for it. I totally understand that it might all be a little daunting. But I promise you will not regret joining the JCL. You will undoubtedly meet so many people and be shocked by how easy it is to start conversations and feel comfortable around new acquaintances. You really can't go wrong joining the JCL, and you will definitely find new interesting people that make you happy. Even if you don't quite make that step to meet new people at other schools or states, the JCL is also a great opportunity to get to know the students at your own school. You would be surprised as to how much closer you can become with the people around you.
Yes, I am attending national convention, and I'm so excited! I'm looking forward to a lot of things but mostly reuniting with students who live in other states whom I met at previous conventions. Also, now that I'm a senior, I can play in World Series Certamen, which is something I'm super pumped for. I also love the one part of general assembly where all the first-time convention goers stand up to be recognized. It's just crazy to see how many new people there are, and it'd be cool to reflect on my four years of JCL experience.
What has been your favorite part about being in the JCL?
What is one lesson you learned from JCL?
What would say to a student who is contemplating about joining the JCL?
Are you attending national convention this year? If so, what are you most looking forward to?