Fall 2023 · Torch: U.S. · OFFICER VOICES
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Ever since my first NJCL convention, I have been saying goodbye as friends made each year graduate or move away. But as old friends leave, new friends join, and the JCL itself remains a constant. Each year for the past seven years, when the weather gets warm(er) and school lets out, I have eagerly awaited convention—even when, as in 2020 and 2021, the rest of the world looked very different.
But now, it’s my turn to say goodbye to this fantastic community—and it feels like this moment has come too soon. So many people have made the JCL an amazing place for me over the years, whether at Harker (my own school), in the California chapter, or across the country. The enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity that defines our community continues to inspire me. And serving on the national board this past year with such an incredible and hilarious group has been an honor and a joy.
I urge you now to consider what you love about the JCL and to help create that sort of community for future students to discover. Your efforts will go farther than you may know or expect.
Thank you, JCLers, and valete for now.
Rupert Chen
2022-2023 NJCL First Vice President
Salvete amici,
I am still finding it hard to believe that my JCL journey has come to an end. Through chanting “jump shake your praeda”, bonding over how difficult that academic test was, and sharing laughs during fellowships, I have made unforgettable memories and some of my closest friends. This past year, when I was elected to be your communications coordinator, I was absolutely ecstatic. Being able to give back to the JCL has been such an honor. I am happy to say that I launched the long-awaited newsletter (sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/njclnewsletter), ran a successful website contest, and took thorough minutes of every meeting (even with all the parli talk).
Although I am sad to leave the JCL (post-convention depression hit me really hard), I know that my time with this organization will always hold a special place in my heart. I have no idea where else I will find an organization that loudly sings a chant about milking a cow.
To everyone who has not graduated yet, I encourage you to take advantage of all the JCL offers, because your time in it will flash by. I am excited to see what the future holds for the JCL, and I am confident that the new board will do an amazing job.
Valete,
Shriya Mahakala
2022-2023 NJCL Communications Coordinator
Thank you to the committee for putting up with all the shenanigans of the board. We will shenan-again!
I also want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to give back to all of you as Second Vice President. It has been an honor, a dream come true, and an absolute pleasure. I’m incredibly proud of the work you have put in during Club of the Month, National Classics Week, and NJCL Convention. In my last address to you all, I just have one final question: ok, can you pogo on the Torch U.S.? Just some food for thought. Thank you all again; I would not trade the past year for anything. Serving as your 2022-2023 NJCL Second Vice President has been everything and more. I’m so excited to see what this year’s board accomplishes, and I know you all have bright futures in the JCL.
Ab imo pectore,
Hena Allaqaband
2022-2023 NJCL Second Vice President
As cliche as it sounds, it feels like just yesterday, we were eating a “Roman” dinner as officers for the first time. Now, one year later, we have all accomplished so much individually and as a board. We successfully made it through grueling constitutional discussions at FPM and SPM, we hosted Classicalia and took over the Instagram, and we lead an incredible convention at Emory. I think everyone would agree, though, more important than any of those things are the memories we made altogether along the way. Thank you to my fellow officers for your help, support, and patience.