Fall 2024 · Torch: U.S. · OFFICER VOICES
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Salvete, amici!
It has been an absolute honor serving as the NJCL CoCo this past year. From my first days of campaigning with a gold picture frame at Emory to the That’s Entertainment! officer skit at UT Knoxville (shoutout Embarrassment!), I’ve felt entirely embraced by this vibrant community. Whether we were laughing over Jackbox Games’ silly tasks in “Job Job” over Zoom or sharing stories at the mixers, I feel extremely lucky to have gotten the chance to meet and become friends with so many of you.
While we might not have formally met, getting to judge your website contest submissions, answer your questions, and add your events to the NJCL Calendar made me truly appreciate the dedication, warmth, and intellect found in the JCL community.
Salvete, JCLores!
I'm not sure who decided we need to write *another* bummer of a goodbye after our farewell speeches at convention, but here we are. JCL has impacted me so much over the past few years, and this year in particular has truly been like no other. I know it might seem hard to believe, but being the NJCL Parliamentarian has been so much more of a fun office than you might expect. Trust me, when you get excited to see an email notification because it *might* be something JCL-related, you know you're having a great year. And of course, to cap off my term was an amazing convention at Knoxville. Running an election was just as exhilarating as being part of one, and my thanks go out to all the candidates for making Convention of my best weeks ever.
Speaking of thanks, thanks to SCJCL for getting me this far (and helping me beat Sophie at Coin Craze), and special thanks to my sponsor Ms. Vero for guiding me through the world's best language. Thanks to the rest of the Board for being awesome, and best of luck to the new board (especially Isabella) in leading another great year of JCL.
It's been a joy and honor serving as your NJCL Parliamentarian, and I hope you all always remember which part of Convention is truly the best.
Gratias iterum, et valete!
Alden Okoh-Aduoko
2023-2024 NJCL Parliamentarian
Salvete amici,
“How lucky am I to have something so special, that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie the Pooh
This quote has been stuck in my head since convention ended in July and for once it's not a quote written in an ancient language or by someone who died a thousand years ago. It’s such a weird feeling thinking back to every year I’ve gone to NJCL convention. I always dreaded the last day because it meant I had to leave my favorite place and my favorite community. But, at least I had some comfort knowing it wasn’t really goodbye- just “see you later.” This time is different though. Although I could never completely leave this community, my relationship with the JCL will look very different from here on out. I still can’t believe my time as a JCLer is over. As much as it hurts me to say goodbye, I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to have the JCL be such a big part of my life over the years. From my first ever state convention to my time as an NJCL officer, my time spent with you has made me a better person, a better scholar, and a better friend. For that, I will always be thankful.
Maximo amore,
Natalie Allen
2023-2024 NJCL Second Vice President
While we might not have formally met, getting to judge your website contest submissions, answer your questions, and add your events to the NJCL Calendar made me truly appreciate the dedication, warmth, and intellect found in the JCL community.
Since I was lucky enough to be elected to a second term of national office, you aren’t rid of me just yet — and I’m thrilled to continue working to make this organization even better, all while having the best time of my life with you all.
Now, I’ll give my fingers a break from typing minutes and focus on mastering the art of banging a gavel. I can’t wait to make more memories with you this year!
With JCLove,
Lilia AitSahlia
2023-2024 NJCL Communications Coordinator