OFFICER VOICES · Fall 2023 · Torch: U.S.
5
Salvete amici!
I cannot be more grateful for this past year as your NJCL Editor. I have had a blast editing the Torch: U.S. and publishing your submissions. Meeting you all in person at Emory and hearing your cheers, shouts, laughs, and complaints about the hills made my year. Each individual story that has been sent my way has reminded me of my own JCL journey: the surprise of my first state spirit competition, the graphic arts grind, and the companionship of so many students, teachers, and mentors who band together over the classics.
So many people have helped me to be here, from my parents to my sponsor and co-chairs to friends now living across the sea. I would not have been an editor at all without the JCL, which gave me the support to run for two terms that passed by in a flash. It's very bittersweet to finally be leaving this organization, but my time here has contained some of the most fruitful and valuable memories and lessons in my life.
JCL, thank you for everything, and I can't wait to see what else you've got in store as an SCLer.
Gratias maximas vobis ago,
Monet Shum
2022-2023 NJCL Editor
Valete, omnes.
It is with immense sadness that I leave you all as your 2022-2023 NJCL Parliamentarian. I’d like to extend a massive thank you to every other officer who made this year special, and I was so indescribably happy to see you all at Emory this year.
I entered office last year as a parliamentarian, and I left as a podcaster [ njcl.org/podcast ], rapper, and a part of something bigger than myself. You all have made me feel so loved throughout the year and at convention, and I really can’t express the pure joy I had during my time with you.
I must of course reiterate my “thank you”s to Magister Nifong, Magistra Cohen, my parents, my Certamen teams, my board members, the national committee (especially Mr. Compton), the voting delegates, and everyone else who calls themself a JCLer. You make this all so great.
I hope to see you around at Latin events (or possibly at next year’s convention!) and I will miss you all dearly in the meantime.
Maximo amore,
Joe G the Parli
2022-2023 NJCL Parliamentarian
Hiya everyone,
My first experience with the JCL was in April of 2018 at Barnstable High School in Massachusetts. A few students from my school were running for state office, and I thought, terrified and intimidated, that I would never be on that stage, saying a speech and campaigning in front of my fellow students. A few years later, I found myself in front of all of you, and I’m glad that I never listened to my
thirteen-year-old self because it was absolutely amazing seeing you all at Emory just a few weeks ago.
Throughout my term, I ended up holding meetings in November, December, March, and April. Although it might not have been as often as I initially planned, it was still wonderful seeing historians from around the country, hearing all their thoughts, and offering my own advice for them. Throughout the year, I’ve looked through the submissions on Photo of the Month, and the winner of each month is featured in the scrapbook, the link to which can be found in this issue of the Torch.
It’s been an honor to have this journey with you. You’ve all been a fundamental part of my life for the past half decade, and I hope that you continue to be a part of it for the foreseeable future. I can’t wait to see you all in Tennessee next year, and I wish you all good luck in the future.
Love,
Karen Dong
2022-2023 NJCL Historian